Barnwell Country Park and Summerleys Nature Reserve

Barnwell Country Park

My first ever visit to Barnwell CP ,and getting the full guided tour from my friend Mr David King.
Barnwell Country Park comprises 37 acres of lakes, riverbank and meadows to explore, situated close to the historic market town of Oundle.

There have been regular sightings of Kingfishers as well as Otters around the lakes so we were hopeful of spotting something a little out of the ordinary.

An early start on what was a fairly dull morning , despite the poor light it was at least mild an dry.

After paying the £3 car park fee we made our way passed the children's playground over to the 'Kingfisher Hide'.

Already there is a a lot of bird activity around the logs and branches outside the Hide. Several Dunnocks, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and a rather splendid pair of Robins one of whom wasted no time flying up to the window ledge in search of  food.

 Probably the friendliest birds you will ever find , but very territorial so quite unusual to see two getting on so well together. Most people only associate the Robin with Christmas but they are for all year round .

Nuthatches

It wasn't long before we were joined by a pair of glorious Nuthatches, tempted by the addition of some Sunflower hearts placed invitingly. Nuthatches are omnivorous where they eat mostly insects. They forage for insects, nuts and seeds hidden in or under bark by climbing along tree trunks and branches, sometimes upside-down. They get their name from wedging items of food in tree crevices and then hacking it open. Another lovely bird the 'Treecreeper' was a fleeting visitor on this occasion and a little camera shy sadly.

Dunnocks

 Dunnocks are small Passerines or perching birds. Often known by their alternative name 'Hedge Sparrows'.

Ducks at Barnwell but no Otters

North Lake

After a couple of hours we decided to move on to Summerleys Nature Reserve between Earls Barton and Wollaston Northants. The parking is free here and its a gentle two miles of fairly easy walking around the perimeter. The Wildlife Trust have done a fantastic job in transforming these former gravel pits into a haven for wildlife. An additional bonus is that the sun has broken through and there is some lovely blue sky.

Summerleys, Gt Doddington village on the hill

Sun breaks through over the reeds

Buzzard soars overhead

There is great excitement at Summerleys as a very rare visitor has been spotted. This visitor has come all the way from the USA and is a 'Ring Necked Duck'. Slightly ambiguous in my opinion as it doesn't have a ringed neck at all. The ring is on it's bill ! Needless to say we didn't spot it among the thousands of other similar looking estuary birds.

Its always good value to visit the feeding station where you are almost certain of seeing a selection of; male and female Bullfinches, Chaffinches, Reed Buntings, Long Tailed Tits, Goldfinches, Blue, Great and Coal Tits, Bramblings, Pheasants and the odd Pigeon among others.

Goldfinch

Female Bullfinch

Different types of Egret can be seen quite regularly, usually Cattle, Great or Little. They are Heron like with white or buff plumage, and develop fine plumes.

Egret in full flight

Cormorant

 A really enjoyable half day spent a two of the counties best sites for birdwatching.