Pittswood Birds

At last a proper spring day, a bit misty at first, but that soon went and it became sunny and warm. I Left early this morning, (05:20) so I could beat all the dog walkers, and noisy lawnmowers, and it paid off. I heard and saw 25 species during the first 200 meters of my walk. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard drumming again - not heard recently, and ROBINS were everywhere (31 counted) I couldn't locate any Turtle doves and although I spent 40mins from 06:00hrs listening at the lakeside scrub, I didn't find any Nightingales, seems this year may be the first without them. At Migrant alley the first SWIFT (82) of the year flew over, followed by 4 more, now I know summers here! More excitement for me as I walked through the College grounds, a group of GARDEN WARBLERS (83) another year tick, were found, there were at least 3 and possibly five all close up in the same set of bushes. Five hours out walking was a real pleasure today, shame I had to come back! I think the 50 species recorded would easily have reached a new day total, had I had given it another hour!

This Garden Warbler looked a little different from the others, a longer, paler beak and flatter head.

I was going to get a shot of the songthrush (behind the rabbit) then the Rabbit ran out in front of it!

I saw this big Fox early on, shame the photo is a bit blurred.