Pittswood Birds

On the way to work this morning, another sighting of a WHEATEAR was had at Migrant Alley, as well the two HOBBIES which were again in the top of a favoured tree in the college grounds.

The weather for this afternoons visit went rapidly down hill, becoming dull and drizzely by 15:00hrs, but I managed to re-find the Wheatear again. I was looking back at last years Wheatear sightings and was surprised to see that the last one was recorded on the 20th Sept. so it is possible today could be the last one, but there again looking back further, I have recorded them well into October, in 3 out of the 7 past Autumns. I looked at the Whinchat as well, they have never been recorded in Oct. before, and the latest one seen was on the 28th Sept. last year, so I probably have a week in which to find another.

Back to this afternoon, which was spent watching over the fields and paddocks again, the maize was being harrowed in, prior to ploughing, and had a small number of PIED WAGTAILS following the tractor. On the edges of the maize 25-30 LINNETS were on the weeds, and a few MEADOW PIPITS came and went. The two HOBBIES were hunting over the area, but were nowhere to be seen when at least 600 HOUSE MARTINS came through. They were quite some sight, the sky was full of them, I scanned all the way to the horizon and still more were coming, this was Migration in action!

A STARLING flock of some 500 birds was seen in the sheep pasture, but as the drizzle got heavier, I made an early departure, a quick sky scan only revealed BLACK HEADED and HERRING GULL. if the field is ploughed tomorrow there should be a few of them following the tractor, and maybe a Med. Gull for the months list, which has stagnated now.

I didn't get any pics today, the light was too dull, try again tomorrow.