Pittswood Birds

Most of my 4 hour walk this morning was undertaken in rainy conditions, some of it heavy, but at least there was little wind.

There wasn't too much of note to be found today, however, I did see a light passage of HOUSE MARTINS flying South, with them was the odd SWALLOW. Also of note today were 2 CHIFFCHAFF at the Greenhouse Grounds, where the SISKIN and GOLDFINCHES were again feeding in the Alders, they were disturbed by a SPARROWHAWK more than once! Two KESTRELS were hunting over Migrant Alley, where 6 MEADOW PIPITS were on the sheep pasture and a party of 8 HERRING GULLS were resting up.

A BUZZARD flew low over the Ashes lane Fields as I made my way to the lakes, where I was pleased to see 7 MANDARIN DUCKS (57), 5 of those being males. A GREY WAGTAIL was feeding around the out buildings by the main lake, from where I was taking shelter from the rain, whilst there, I also saw COAL TIT, BULLFINCH and a party of LONG TAILED TITS fly into the Scrubby Woods.

Back at home, in my garden, whilst unsuccessfully trying to scare off the Sparrowhawk from its ambush position in the leylandi tree, I noticed a BLACKCAP visit briefly, a nice male  :-)  The Sparrowhawk sat and watched me as I tried to scare it off, none of my stick chucking, and loud noises made it even flinch, there was only one thing that would scare it off............I went and got my camera, sure enough, when I returned with it, the Sprawk hopped up further into the tree, before finally flying off ! At least i'm saving a fair few quid on bird food, the Sprawk makes sure hardly anything is visiting the feeders at the moment!

Todays Photo's are of the Meadow Pipits, taken a few days ago...................