Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Down On The Farm

I did get to the farm today but not the usual one, just Old Holly Farm at Cabus for a day out with our two granddaughters Olivia and Isabella. Apart from a few Pied Wagtails and domestic chickens we didn’t see many birds, only pigs, cows, goats, rabbits, horses and newly born lambs. Everyone say Aaah! 

Meanwhile back at the real farm and from last summer there’s a report of a Sedge Warbler recaptured in France. First ringed on 1st August 2010 it was captured by French ringers in Donges, Loire Atlantique on 27 August 2012, an elapsed time of 757 days and a distance of 730 kms, not counting the distance travelled in the intervening year, or the many miles this bird travelled once it reached Africa in both 2010 and 2011. We did not recapture this bird at Out Rawcliffe during the summers of 2011 or 2012 so it is safe to assume it originated further north of Out Rawcliffe.

Sedge Warbler - Out Rawcliffe to Loire Atlantique

Sedge Warbler

I did my top up of the feed yesterday and in the process clocked up much of the customary birds with a few extra goodies like a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin and the Hen Harrier making its way over to Pilling again. The harrier scattered a flock of Wood Pigeons although I don’t think it was actually hunting them, just passing through. It’s another distant shot; this bird does not like us humans, our vehicles or our buildings. 

Hen Harrier and Wood Pigeons

Short-eared Owl

The usual fare consisted of 1 Brambling on a niger feeder, 6 Chaffinch, 22 Goldfinch, 2 Snipe 15 Reed Bunting, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 160 Woodpigeon and 14 Corn Bunting. 

Tomorrow its MOT day - the car not me. So with luck both of us will be out on Thursday. Stay tuned to see if we both get a pass.

7 comments:

Rohrerbot said...

That is fascinating stuff. Love the shot of the Short-eared owl especially. It's amazing to me how far birds will fly...even better is that you're keeping records of them all. Migration is beginning:)!!!

grammie g said...

Hey Phil...So glad to see your keeping up on your duty as Grampa to those kid'o!! : )
Hard to imagine the mileage and weather one little bird can endure huh!!
I am still hoping to see an Owl someday, you are so darn lucky with those fellas!! I could say I don't give a hoot, but I do!!!!!
Take it easy on the farm there..I think I smell what your stepping in!!; )
Good luck with that MOT stuff...Hope you are in good shape for peddling your butt around old friend!!
Grace of the North

Russell Jenkins said...

It is good to keep such records. Birds really impress me with their travels. Healthy records of raptors I'm happy to hear as well.

Gina Gao said...

These are amazing pictures! I like owls very much.

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

Wally Jones said...

Another great report! The Sedge Wren is well traveled!
Great shot of the Harrier causing a little excitement and of the owl.

eileeninmd said...

Phil, I am sure the grandchildren enjoyed the visit to the farm. Sounds like fun to me, I would go too. Love the owl shot, great capture.

Linda said...

Wonderful pictures!

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