Dave and I quickly found that there were lots of birds to see. The paddocks around Netherstead played host to numerous chats.
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| Stonechats |
We began by trumping yesterday's report of one Stonechat with three together at Netherstead paddocks, plus one, which only Dave saw, by the pool. Back at the paddocks the Stonechats had been joined by three Whinchats.
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| Two of the Whinchats |
We later discovered another three by the pools resulting in a site record count of six. Meanwhile, the chats were mixed in with numerous Meadow Pipits, at least 38 in the stubble field plus a dozen or so heading south. A great mass of 70 hirundines, mainly House Martins, appeared. The hedgerows contained the last few Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats, plus one or two Blackcaps and at least 10 Chiffchaffs. Many of them came through in a big Tit flock which also contained at least 13 Long-tailed Tits.
It is fair to say we were not bored, and really we didn't know which way to look, there were so many birds buzzing about.
Eventually we made our way to the pool. Dave wanted to see the Yellow-crowned Weaver, and it actually took us a while to find it. The party of a dozen or so Yellowhammers it was with has merged into a much bigger flock of at least 90 Goldfinches and a few Linnets. But eventually it was spotted, and actually showed much better than yesterday morning.
.JPG)
I could have chosen several shots, but I like this one because it shows its breast well, and also contains a nice Yellowhammer.
The late morning was a little quieter. Four Grey Wagtails flew over, one at the pool and three at Netherstead. The flashes contained 29 Teal, 37 Lapwings, a Green Sandpiper (which I missed), and four Snipe. At least one, probably two, Hobbies appeared from time to time, to spice up the day.
We were just missing the show-stopper. Maybe next week.
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