A frosty night gave way to a sunny and clear morning and I found myself braving the vagaries of the X4 time table and heading over to Earls Barton. After what seemed like an interminable journey I emerged into the chill air and headed towards the Nene. A Kingfisher called at the mill while Mill Lake though busy with wildfowl did not harbour anything that interesting. Hardwater Lake was quiet too, I scanned through a largish flock of Greylags and Canadas but didn't find anything rarer amongst them.
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| Snoozing Pintail, Gadwall and Wigeons |
One day I'm going to visit Summer Leys courtesy of the bus and have a great day's birding but today was not that day! There was a drake Pintail snoozing on the margin of the main lake and I had several brief views of a cream crowned Marsh Harrier. Sadly I missed the two Bitterns that flew into the reedbed close to Paul Britten Hide which would certainly have been appreciated. Several Great White Egrets were present around the reserve but in truth it was a little dull. At Mary's Lake there were a few Goldeneyes looking pristine in the sun while a Water Rail called from the margins and several Siskins flew overhead.
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| Snipe and Goldeneye |
I left Summer Leys a little before a Grey Plover flew through and I'm struggling to think what I've done to offend this species having dipped on it twice in the last two days! My stroll towards Wellingborough along the Nene produced brief views of a pair of Stonechats as well as a flyover Snipe. Closer to Wellingborough itself a pale Common Buzzard brought its Rough-legged cousin to mind while two Common Darters proved how tough these little dragonflies are, they routinely survive into November and occasionally even into December. With my wildlife day done and a little time to spare before my bus was due to depart I naturally popped into the pub for a quick pint. Tomorrow I may be having a go at the Hanging Houghton Snow Bunting, if I see it I rather feel that more than one pint may be called for to toast it!
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| Stringer's joy! Pale Common Buzzard |
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