Pittswood Birds

The weather had turned today, with rain throughout the morning. I only spent a couple of hours out on patch, but a few interesting birds were found.

YELLOW WAGTAILS continue to fly over on passage, at least two went over Migrant alley, calling as they went, and another 3 dropped into one of the paddocks where a flock of over 300 STARLINGS were feeding.

The local SWALLOWS were joined by 20-30 HOUSE MARTINS today, they fed over the sheep pasture and Greenhouse Grounds, eventually attracting the attention of a HOBBY,  as well as a SPARROWHAWK.

The Greenhouse Grounds seemed a bit empty of birds, until I found that they were all in a single flock, which had 25+ BLUE TITS, 6+ GREAT TITS, 15+ GOLDFINCH, 12+ GREENFINCH, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 BULLFINCH, and 4 WHITETHROAT, one of which sat in a bush with a COAL TIT and a superb looking LESSER WHITETHROAT.

A quick check of the Ashes lane Field for the WHEATEAR was rewarded when it was re located, staying for it's third day. On my walk home an adult KESTREL was seen on a telephone pole along Ashes lane.

A short but rewarding visit today  :-)

Whilst at home looking into the garden, the Sparrowhawk flew in a grabbed a CHAFFINCH, I took a record shot through the double glazing, and was surprised to see it was the male Sparrowhawk that had been ringed (left leg) by my friend along the lane, he ringed it at least 7 years ago!

I was pleased to see a BLACKCAP in the garden too  :-)

Ringed Sparrowhawk

Garden Blackcap

Blackcap