Pittswood Birds

A warm morning, with overcast sky and little wind was had for this mornings full patch visit, where once again sightings of passage migrants provided much of the excitement for the day.

At Migrant Alley, no fewer than six YELLOW WAGTAILS were found in one of the horse paddocks, and more were heard flying over as I walked the College Grounds, their distinctive call giving them away. A TREECREEPER was heard here too, one of at least 4 heard today around my patch.

More passage migrants were seen along the Tall hedge that divides Migrant Alley from the Greenhouse Complex, a WILLOW WARBLER, four CHIFFCHAFFS, two BLACKCAPS, at least 6 WHITETHROATS and best of all my fourth WHINCHAT of the month were all busy feeding on the Elder and Blackberries.

I at last came across a flock of LONG TAILED TITS in a large Oak in the Small Holding, they were joined by more Chiffchaffs, and another Treecreeper. Over at the lakes and Scrubby Woods, things were a little quieter, but plenty of Blackcaps were seen, as was a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, I didn't see any at the College Grounds this morning, so it was good to catch up with one here, they don't usually appear in this area.

A quick afternoon visit around Migrant Alley had the same result as yesterday, with a WHEATEAR found sitting on the fence line ( the same bird as yesterday?) plus two BUZZARDS soaring overhead. 47 species for the day was a few down on yesterdays big haul, but 58 species for the weekend is very acceptable :-)



Above and below, the Wheatear from this afternoon - I remembered my camera this time :-)

The small Butterflies that live in the Tree Nursery were still very evident, although they are looking a little worn now.

Common Blue

Small Copper

Brown Argus