Pittswood Birds

The sunny weather was back again today, and with it came the birds. Once again a walk round to the small holding, wet woods, and lake/scrub area was had, before a quick visit to Migrant Alley. The small holding was quite lively, a TREECREEPER was on one of the old pear trees, as was a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, two GREEN WOODPECKERS were on the grass below the pear trees, along with a few CHAFFINCH, but strangley no Blackbirds were on the fallen fruit. GREAT and BLUE TITS were along the pathway to the wet woods, which itself was empty of birds, apart from a loudly calling NUTHATCH.

Not alot was to be seen at the lake, a few MALLARDS and MOORHENS, whilst BULLFINCH, GOLDCREST, and COAL TIT were the best of what was seen in the nearby scrub.

I crossed the tree nursery, which had another work party in it, so it was empty of birds, and went onto Migrant Alley. Once there I was pleased to see a flock of 22 LAPWINGS, the first this month. This flock is easiest the biggest October flock encountered on my patch, great birds, I was a bit greedy in hoping i'd find a Golden Plover in with them, but that seldom happens! The Lapwings didn't stay long, as a group of JACKDAWS infiltrated thier ranks, and started chasing and generally harrasing them, I was lucky to arrive when I did, as it would have been easy to miss them all. Other birds at Migrant Alley were 4 SKYLARKS, around 60 LINNETS, and a mix of a few MEADOW PIPITS and PIED WAGTAILS.


Below is the Great Spotted Woodpecker, seen on a pear tree in the small holding.

Next is one of the Linnets, in the tall hedge at Migrant Alley

This is a MAGPIE, taking a ride on one of the sheep!

and below is a JAY, which was foraging below the tall hedge.

Below is the Lapwing flock, quite far off, as I didn't want to spook them all up.

But as it happened, they were moved on by the jackdaws. Another far away photo. Might be better to enlarge it!

lastly, here's just one of the upteen low flying aircraft that went over my patch today, it's a wonder I see anything at all ! I find myself wishing back the low cloud and drizzle at times, that grounds all these bloody things!!