Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Bits And Pieces

Here in Lancashire and since we returned back from Greece there’s been little but rain. I think the Greek gods have been telling us to return to Skiathos as soon as possible. We obeyed by booking our flights for 2021, hoping for a holiday in better circumstances for all concerned. And, we’ve booked for 3 weeks in May to coincide with spring migration when many species pass through Greece on their way to North and Eastern Europe. 

The Amaretto - Skiathos
 
Great Egret at Strofilias
 
Red-backed Shrike - everywhere

Baklava - Yum

While I was on holiday Andy completed a couple of ringing sessions up at Oaklenclough, despite his car being in troublesome mode; I warned him to stay away from French models. He and Bryan had a great morning on 17 September with a catch of 110 birds that included 85 Meadow Pipits. 

One of the pipits, an adult male, carried ring number ADB3348 from somewhere other than Oakenclough. It is quite unusual for us to catch a previously ringed Meadow Pipit because while Meadow Pipits are very common and widespread, they inhabit rather wild places where they are less likely to be caught or found dead. 

A few days later came the information that ADB3348 had been ringed more than 12 months before on The Calf of Man Bird Observatory on 10 April 2019. This date relates to a classic time of spring migration when the pipit was heading north, perhaps to Ireland, Scotland or even Iceland. Its return journey south in mid-September is peak autumnal migration of the species. This route south in September 2020 along the west Pennines and Oakenclough would suggest a bird of Scottish breeding origin. 

Calf of Man to Oakenclough
 
Meadow Pipit
 
Back home I’m still catching up with friends and family, and getting the garden shipshape for winter. Yesterday we had a Jay in the garden, the first for a number of years. It appeared to be searching the ground at the bottom of the garden where there are lots of windfall damsons and apples left for winter thrushes. 

Jay
I don’t think there was much wind here while we were away. There are loads of baking apples left on the tree and ready for taking and baking, even after all the neighbours have had their fill of apple crumble. 

Apple Pie Time

Give me a ring but bring your own bag. 



 

13 comments:

  1. Interesting finding where the ringed birds have been. Sounds like you had a great holiday, the weather here has been foul, so much rain!!!
    I have made apple pies, apple crumble, bread and apple pudding, I have made apple juice, bottled fruit and a dozen or so jars of apple sauce!!!!

    Keep well and stay safe, Diane

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  2. Apple Time & More Baklava - Beautiful Red Backed Shrike There - Travel On

    Cheers

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  3. Beautiful birds and shot...
    Greetings from Spain...

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  4. Ringing is something I would have like to have done. I'm a bit on the aged side now and I spend most of my time sitting. Stay safe Phil.
    Best wishes, Mike.

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  5. Hello Phil.
    Wonderful photos. Bird flight paths are always interesting. Thank you.

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  6. Hello,

    Another trip to Greece sounds wonderful. During the migration is a great time to go too. I love the Egret, Red-backed Shrike, Meadow Pipit and the pretty Jay. The Baklava looks delicious. It is nice to have an apple tree in your yard, they look great. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care and Enjoy your day! Happy weekend!

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  7. It's always nice to have good weather while you are on vacation! That's a place I would love to visit! That's a neat Jay you saw at home. What a beauty. And a neat story of migration too! Happy weekend!

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  8. There are beautiful birds again and delicious food and lots of apples for cake time!
    Beautiful Weekend, Elke

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  9. Glad you had a nice holiday! And are planning another one, hope it's a great one. Beautiful Jay in your garden. Enjoy all those apples and have a wonderful weekend.

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  10. That Strike is quite impressive!
    Happy weekend, and thanks for joining us at I'd Rather B Birdin this week.

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  11. Beautiful photos, I love the pippet! I salivated seeing that Baklava!!! I haven't had that in years since I lived in the city. I tried to make it myself once...not as good! :)

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  12. Another trip to Greece sounds good.
    We occasionally see a pair of Jays in the garden.
    Those apples look good, I'm sure you enjoy them in crumbles, pies etc.

    All the best Jan

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