A delayed start to spring 2015 due to weather in the near continent followed by a cold spell here in March meant many migrants, who usually get here before April, didn't turn up until a week or so into April. Winter visitors stayed into April with a small flock of Redwing singing to themselves in the Blind Lane area.
At the time of posting migrants are back in force.
Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Swallow, Wood Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Cuckoo and Tree Pipit have all been seen or heard. Among them Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit are birds which only turn up sporadically and seldom breed, so they are excellent finds.
Another excellent find is Reed Bunting using the damp grass areas between the Cricket pitches and St.Ives. Also on the interesting list are the recent sightings of Crossbill, Redpoll and Siskin who are all coniferous wood specialist who don't often breed in St.Ives.
Fingers crossed there are more migrants to come!
Winter 2014-2015
Sorry for the lack of posts to this blog just "re-found" it.
This winter has seen a rarity for St.Ives in the arrival of a Mute Swan on Coppice Pond. It is a young bird but fingers crossed its presence attracts a mate for it.
Winter finches have been very thin on the ground and in the trees but we've been enjoying the continued presence a flock of Redwing.
A few winter walks were planned by Dove Nature and were well attended despite the cold.
The spring program of bird walks is already planned and advertised at www.dovenature.com as well as posters in the Estate grounds and on the Friends of St.Ives website.
We'll try and keep this page updated but apologies if the updates are not kept current!
This winter has seen a rarity for St.Ives in the arrival of a Mute Swan on Coppice Pond. It is a young bird but fingers crossed its presence attracts a mate for it.
Winter finches have been very thin on the ground and in the trees but we've been enjoying the continued presence a flock of Redwing.
A few winter walks were planned by Dove Nature and were well attended despite the cold.
The spring program of bird walks is already planned and advertised at www.dovenature.com as well as posters in the Estate grounds and on the Friends of St.Ives website.
We'll try and keep this page updated but apologies if the updates are not kept current!
May Bird Walks 2012
Two further bird walks were done mid-May, one a morning walk the other an evening one.
A male Tree Pipit was found singing above Lady Blantyre's Rock among the Heather Park. Watch out for the Meadow Pipits singing from the Trees though if you go looking!
Close to dusk in the same area at least three Woodcock were seen roding.
On our return to Coppice Pond on the evening walk there were many Daubenton's Bats over the water.
The Wood Warbler remains in Racecourse Plantation. Recent arrivals include Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher both near Cross Gates Barn
Sadly there has been no sign of the Pied Flycatcher yet.
A male Tree Pipit was found singing above Lady Blantyre's Rock among the Heather Park. Watch out for the Meadow Pipits singing from the Trees though if you go looking!
Close to dusk in the same area at least three Woodcock were seen roding.
On our return to Coppice Pond on the evening walk there were many Daubenton's Bats over the water.
The Wood Warbler remains in Racecourse Plantation. Recent arrivals include Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher both near Cross Gates Barn
Sadly there has been no sign of the Pied Flycatcher yet.
6th May 2012
International Dawn Chorus Day was celebrated by having a walk around the estate kicking off at 6am. The main highlight was the male Wood Warbler singing in Racecourse Plantation. A Green Woodpecker yaffling from a tree top was well watched and new to some observers.
Song and Mistle Thrushes were very vocal around the entire estate. Other prominent song birds were the migrants Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. Redpolls are still present but were all fly-over sightings.
M Doveston et al
Song and Mistle Thrushes were very vocal around the entire estate. Other prominent song birds were the migrants Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. Redpolls are still present but were all fly-over sightings.
M Doveston et al
May birding
Spring has arrived and we've reached the month of May. Bird song is at its best!
This weekend it is also International Dawn Chorus Day and to celebrate this there is a Bird Walk starting at 6am from Coppice Pond. Please register your interest with Mark D by following the link to his profile.
This weekend it is also International Dawn Chorus Day and to celebrate this there is a Bird Walk starting at 6am from Coppice Pond. Please register your interest with Mark D by following the link to his profile.
15th April 2012
Bird walk around the estate - 07.00-10.00
7 people joined me this morning for today's walk.
Birds seen or heard include;
Canada Goose, Mallard, Grey Heron,, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Hedge Accentor, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nutchatch, Treecreeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Redpoll, Siskin
7 people joined me this morning for today's walk.
Birds seen or heard include;
Canada Goose, Mallard, Grey Heron,, Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Hedge Accentor, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nutchatch, Treecreeper, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Redpoll, Siskin
Bird walk dates for 2012
Bird walk dates have been arranged for 2012. If you are interested then check out the Friends of St.Ives website and follow the instructions on how to register your interest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)