Pittswood Birds

On the way to work this morning, I crossed a slightly frosty Migrant Alley, and was well pleased to see a WHEATEAR (80,67), a very smart looking male, this is the 6th spring migrant species seen on my patch so far this spring. Wheatears have turned up in 4 of the last 5 March's, the mean arrival date for the ten years, is now Apr. 6th. In the early years, records were all from late April, and one even from May, but visits were not as frequent in those days :-)

On my return from work tried to relocate it but the bird had moved on, probably too much disturbance for it. The afternoon visit was very quiet, the COOTS were on the ornamental lake, and the nesting pair of CANADA GEESE were on the main lake, another pair were on the small lake. A total of 6 MALLARD were counted, along with with just one pair of MOORHEN, one of which was carrying nest material.

There was still a bit of weak sunshine, so I looked for some Butterflies around the scrubby Wood, but failed again to see any. I listened to TREECREEPER, BULLFINCH, DUNNOCK, GREENFINCH and BLACKBIRD singing, with at least 3 incessant CHIFFCHAFFS, all defending their territories vigorously. As yesterday, I didn't linger too long, and headed over to the Tree Nursery, Pub Field and Migrant Alley. There wasn't to much seen at all today, a COMMON BUZZARD was over the Tree Nursery, a MEADOW PIPIT also flew over, and the KESTREL flew over the Pub Field, putting up all the Corvids there. I'd forgotten, Tuesdays afternoon is the student ''work party'' day at Migrant Alley, and they were putting up the paddock fencing - still! Another two posts went in today, they will be there till Christmas at this rate! Needless to say nothing was seen there, apart from a SPARROWHAWK that dived into a garden, almost grabbing a COLLARED DOVE, nice try! Back home whilst filling the feeders, the MARSH TIT turned up, I hope it hangs around for April, be nice to get for that months list :-) Above and Below the only photo of the day - A Common Buzzard