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.
Bird Walk 14th May 2011
Another late start, 7.30 am again, on a much cooler windy day. The blustery wind had a bit of an effect on the bird life but thanks to the sun shining the birds were singing though not as well as they would on a warmer calmer day.
Much the same as last week though no sign of the Crossbill. The Wood Warblers are still singing some distance off the path in the Racecourse Plantation. The Pied Flycatcher is still singing near the Monk's Pond in Cuckoo Nest Wood. These are both good signs that they have attracted mates and will stay to breed. Fingers crossed!
There were plenty of Blackcap, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs singing with a supporting cast of Garden Warblers (2) and Whitethroat. Several birds were seen carrying food indicating young in the nest.
The Little Owl was on show sat on the dry stone wall near the pylon field.
On my way home I managed to see a couple of Sand Martin flying over the road from Heather Park towards Harden Moor.
Species List;
Pheasant, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot , Moorhen, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Hedge Accentor, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Pied Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch
Much the same as last week though no sign of the Crossbill. The Wood Warblers are still singing some distance off the path in the Racecourse Plantation. The Pied Flycatcher is still singing near the Monk's Pond in Cuckoo Nest Wood. These are both good signs that they have attracted mates and will stay to breed. Fingers crossed!
There were plenty of Blackcap, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs singing with a supporting cast of Garden Warblers (2) and Whitethroat. Several birds were seen carrying food indicating young in the nest.
The Little Owl was on show sat on the dry stone wall near the pylon field.
On my way home I managed to see a couple of Sand Martin flying over the road from Heather Park towards Harden Moor.
Species List;
Pheasant, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot , Moorhen, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Hedge Accentor, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Pied Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch
Bird Walk 7th May 2011
Kicking off as late as 7.30am the 1st bird walk of 2011 was well attended. The two of us, both birders, enjoyed one of the better walks due to both the good weather and the amount of birds seen or heard.
In recent weeks both Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler have returned to St.Ives and were still present though both took a little finding. It was discovered that there are currently two males of both species singing in Cuckoo Nest and Racecourse Plantation respectively.
Two male Whitethroats were heard with one being seen after a short wait.
A Crossbill was heard flying over Coppice Pond before the walk started.
Species List;
Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Skylark, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Robin, Hedge Accentor, Wren, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler, Goldcrest, Pied Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Crossbill.
M Doveston, J Roberts
In recent weeks both Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler have returned to St.Ives and were still present though both took a little finding. It was discovered that there are currently two males of both species singing in Cuckoo Nest and Racecourse Plantation respectively.
Two male Whitethroats were heard with one being seen after a short wait.
A Crossbill was heard flying over Coppice Pond before the walk started.
Species List;
Grey Heron, Canada Goose, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Stock Pigeon, Skylark, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Robin, Hedge Accentor, Wren, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler, Goldcrest, Pied Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Crossbill.
M Doveston, J Roberts
Hawfinch update
The male Hawfinch is still being seen in the same place near the play area, in the surrounding tree tops.
As a result of extra observers in the Estate a couple of different Buzzards have been seen flying overhead during the past month.
http://bogimages.blogspot.com/2011/03/eureka-hawfinch-coccothraustes.html
As a result of extra observers in the Estate a couple of different Buzzards have been seen flying overhead during the past month.
http://bogimages.blogspot.com/2011/03/eureka-hawfinch-coccothraustes.html
Hawfinch update - Tuesday 22nd February 2011
The male Hawfinch is still being seen around the play area car park though it has now twice been seen to leave the area heading East. Possibly to Betty's Lodge.
Hawfinch update
Two weeks after the Hawfinch was first found it is still being seen by visiting birders in the same place, outside the Mansion House grounds opposite the play area car park.
It appears to be using the trees between the play area car park and the STRi offices as well as the ones to the left of the drive-way into the Mansion grounds.
At the Weekend there was a Little Grebe on Coppice Pond as well as a female Goosander.
It appears to be using the trees between the play area car park and the STRi offices as well as the ones to the left of the drive-way into the Mansion grounds.
At the Weekend there was a Little Grebe on Coppice Pond as well as a female Goosander.
Hawfinch update
The Hawfinch is still being seen close to the Mansion House from 9am until 11am.
Better images have been posted on the BOG Images blog below;
http://bogimages.blogspot.com/2011/02/hawfinch-st-ives-today.html
Better images have been posted on the BOG Images blog below;
http://bogimages.blogspot.com/2011/02/hawfinch-st-ives-today.html
January 30th 2011
First seen at approx 09.40 behind the mansion in a tree top with other finches and Redwings.
It flew off with a Redwing to the front of the mansion house where it was re-located on it's own at the very top of another tree. It spent about 10 minutes there before dropping down to feed among the lower branches. As more birders arrived it flew off to the nearest Yew Tree close to the mansion house.
It was seen briefly again close to the Yew Tree from the back of the mansion house.
Please note the mansion house grounds are off limits to the public. However there are footpaths or roads around the mansion house and it's private gardens which should suffice for those wanting to try and see the Hawfinch.
Elsewhere
Brambling, Siskin, Redpoll, numerous GSWdpkrs drumming,
80+Mallard, 18 Canada Geese, Common Gull, 50+BHGull,
Fieldfare, Redwing, Nuthatches
16th May 2010 Bird Walk
Seven of us gathered at the Coppice Pond entrance, later joined by an eighth, at 7am for the final spring bird walk around the estate.
The highlight of the walk was the relocation of a singing male Pied Flycatcher which may have been the same on heard two weekends before in Cuckoo Nest Wood. This weekend he was singing in the oak woodland above Beckfoot Lane. He was very active flying from tree to tree singing.
A single Siskin was heard flying over Racecourse Plantation which could be either a late staying winter migrant or a potential breeding resident in one of the conifer plantations.
The cool strong breeze did it's best to disuade the birds from singing but with spring in full swing it failed to do so and many species were heard. There do, however, appear to be less Song Thrushes and Chiffchaffs this year, possible casualties of the long cold winter?
With leaves on the trees it is now getting hard to see the heather moorland at Heather Park which looks more like a young woodland every year and we're already losing the bird species which breed in the moorland habitat.
Nest sites for Treecreeper and Nuthatch made both easy to see.
With more to listen to the walk took almost three hours but as we were busy it flew by.
Thanks to all who attended.
The highlight of the walk was the relocation of a singing male Pied Flycatcher which may have been the same on heard two weekends before in Cuckoo Nest Wood. This weekend he was singing in the oak woodland above Beckfoot Lane. He was very active flying from tree to tree singing.
A single Siskin was heard flying over Racecourse Plantation which could be either a late staying winter migrant or a potential breeding resident in one of the conifer plantations.
The cool strong breeze did it's best to disuade the birds from singing but with spring in full swing it failed to do so and many species were heard. There do, however, appear to be less Song Thrushes and Chiffchaffs this year, possible casualties of the long cold winter?
With leaves on the trees it is now getting hard to see the heather moorland at Heather Park which looks more like a young woodland every year and we're already losing the bird species which breed in the moorland habitat.
Nest sites for Treecreeper and Nuthatch made both easy to see.
With more to listen to the walk took almost three hours but as we were busy it flew by.
Thanks to all who attended.
Bird Walk - 18th April 2010
The first bird walk of the spring was well attended, thanks to those who took part.
The usual route clockwise around the estate starting at Coppice Pond was taken.
A pair of Tufted Duck on Coppice Pond were an early highlight.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard throughout and along the trail in Cuckoos Nest Wood the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker briefly broke the dawn chorus.
Chiffchaff and Song Thrush were largely absent though females of both were seen collecting nest material.
Coal Tits were very vocal in the conifer woodlands. Nuthatch were likewise in the oak trees.
Blackcaps have returned in decent numbers to Cuckoos Nest.
A pair of Little Owls were observed in their "usual" haunt.
A female Sparrowhawk was seen circling over the lower woodland edge.
The usual route clockwise around the estate starting at Coppice Pond was taken.
A pair of Tufted Duck on Coppice Pond were an early highlight.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard throughout and along the trail in Cuckoos Nest Wood the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker briefly broke the dawn chorus.
Chiffchaff and Song Thrush were largely absent though females of both were seen collecting nest material.
Coal Tits were very vocal in the conifer woodlands. Nuthatch were likewise in the oak trees.
Blackcaps have returned in decent numbers to Cuckoos Nest.
A pair of Little Owls were observed in their "usual" haunt.
A female Sparrowhawk was seen circling over the lower woodland edge.
May 2009
May is the month where most of our summer visiting birds arrive. Sadly once again we haven't seen Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler or Redstart arrive. This is despite all the nest boxes.
We do have Garden Warbler, Whitethroat and plenty of Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs and of course Swallows.
Siskins put in an appearance mid month but have moved on as have any Redpolls that were lingering.
Squirrels and their young are numerous in the woods and at the feeding station. A large brown rat can also be seen feeding on the ground. We may have to stop scattering seed on the ground for a while.
Now the warmer wether is upon us insects are more active with many butterflies being seen around the estate. Dragonflies and Damselflies won't be far behind.....
We do have Garden Warbler, Whitethroat and plenty of Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs and of course Swallows.
Siskins put in an appearance mid month but have moved on as have any Redpolls that were lingering.
Squirrels and their young are numerous in the woods and at the feeding station. A large brown rat can also be seen feeding on the ground. We may have to stop scattering seed on the ground for a while.
Now the warmer wether is upon us insects are more active with many butterflies being seen around the estate. Dragonflies and Damselflies won't be far behind.....
18th April 2009
These mallard ducklings were on Coppice Pond. Also on the water were three Tufted Ducks and the usual mix of Coot, Moorhen and Canada Geese.Elsewhere in the woods were several Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps, all recent arrivals for the summer. There were also a scattering of Siskin throughout as well as a pair of Redpoll.
Recent sightings from B.Nield
Below is an email sent by B.Nield after his first visit into St.Ives Estate.
Hello, I had a trip up to St.Ives Estate yesterday & had a walk around the
coppice pond area & a long sit in the new observation area. There were 30+ Canada Geese, 20+ B.H.Gulls, 15+ Mallards, 6 coot & a Moorhen on the water, unfortunately getting severly harrassed by Dogs jumping into the water after them.
At the feeding station:
Robins:5, Not fighting just all feeding in different areas together.
Dunnocks:3, Same as Robins not fighting.
Pheasants:1M & 1F, very shy but male came out when it was quiet.
Wood Pigeons:6, Mega shy usually came out when no people in hide. Managed
2 when on my own. Great Tits:8+, Blue Tits:3, Coal Tits:6, L.T. Tits : 2's & occasional party of 5. Nuthatch:3 at one time. Chaffinch:1 lonely female. Treecreeper:1, had a good look around the trees at the station on 2 occasions. Sparrowhawk:1, only a fleeting glance against the sun, so no way to sex. Blackbirds:2 pairs, again no fighting all feeding together. I also saw a wood mouse nip out for a few seeds & there were 6
Squirrels at one time.
Hello, I had a trip up to St.Ives Estate yesterday & had a walk around the
coppice pond area & a long sit in the new observation area. There were 30+ Canada Geese, 20+ B.H.Gulls, 15+ Mallards, 6 coot & a Moorhen on the water, unfortunately getting severly harrassed by Dogs jumping into the water after them.
At the feeding station:
Robins:5, Not fighting just all feeding in different areas together.
Dunnocks:3, Same as Robins not fighting.
Pheasants:1M & 1F, very shy but male came out when it was quiet.
Wood Pigeons:6, Mega shy usually came out when no people in hide. Managed
2 when on my own. Great Tits:8+, Blue Tits:3, Coal Tits:6, L.T. Tits : 2's & occasional party of 5. Nuthatch:3 at one time. Chaffinch:1 lonely female. Treecreeper:1, had a good look around the trees at the station on 2 occasions. Sparrowhawk:1, only a fleeting glance against the sun, so no way to sex. Blackbirds:2 pairs, again no fighting all feeding together. I also saw a wood mouse nip out for a few seeds & there were 6
Squirrels at one time.
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