I was fortunate enough to be paid a visit by David 'Devil Birder' Campbell of Canons Farm fame (see the link on the right of this page). The hope was for the first WALBOC summer migrants, especially Wheatear. We staked out Sparrow field first and had top views of over 100 Yellowhammer and a decent mix of Chaffinch. We moved on through Rhodey Woods where DB heard a Siskin, the second of the year and as we were going between the Birch trees we hear a very familiar song. Shortly enough, a Chiffchaff popped out and performed - welcome home.
We next headed for Cow Field where we counted 20 Lapwing, a decent count for this late in the year. There were also huge numbers of Buzzard and a cuple more Chiffys were heard. The best bird though, was a mega. Two records. Just two, since 2008. Oh yes, a Grey Wagtail, DB found it, as he recognised its call and we instinctively looked up to find a Grey Wagtail heading north. An excellent find around here, cheers DB.
Up onto the Airfield where we had a quick check for Tree Sprog - nilch and then moved to Finch Field for a raptor stake out with the hope of a late Brambling appearing. There were countless Buzzards, a couple of Sprawks and a Kestrel. DB had a very distant Red Kite, probably last week's bird (it stayed for four weeks last year) which I failed to locate before it moved out of view. A female Brambling then alerted us to its presence by calling and was soon located. It was a female and soon began flycatching which was very good to see!
Cheers DB for a good day's birding and a good find! Hopefully you'll be back soon.
But, still no Waxwing.
WALBOC Patchlist: 92
WALBOC Yearlist: 78
No comments:
Post a Comment