Friday 25 February 2011

RAVENS tracked down at last








FRIDAY 25 FEBRUARY

After the warmest day of the year so far on Thursday, today followed in a very similar vein, although light drizzle moved in from mid afternoon. The winds were still very light and from a SW direction, the temperatures holding steady at 14 degrees C.

I had put aside today to search for Common Raven in Hertfordshire and was very pleased with my results. Whilst watching them though, I received a call to say that Richard Broughton had discovered a Northern Grey Shrike in North Buckinghamshire, so that was my afternoon sorted.........

BENDISH LODGE (HERTS) (TL 167 225)

A freshly killed Rabbit on the road had attracted a Common Buzzard and no less than 7 Red Kites whilst nearby, I eventually located the local pair of COMMON RAVENS - the female sat on a new nest but constructed in the same tree and the male flying in just very occasionally. It was interesting listening to the contact calls at the nest-site - the sound incredibly far-carrying. A single Lapwing and 2 Yellowhammers were also seen.

KIMPTON VILLAGE (HERTS)

The Rookery at Kimpton Grange (TL 165 180) was very busy and noisy and now contains 40 active nests.

BATFORD AND EAST HYDE (HERTS)

A Common Kingfisher was on the Lea at Batford, whilst 2 Red-legged Partridges and a pair of Common Teal was noted at East Hyde.

WHITEWALLS, ANNABLES LANE, KINSBOURNE GREEN (TL 096 158) (HERTS)

Another fine Rookery, situated in the belt of Scots Pine, Larch and Ash trees bordering the lane, totalling 35 active nests.

A41 WIGGINTON AREA (HERTS)

Two further dead Badgers on the A41, both in the vicinity of the Wigginton turn-off at SP 933 110

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