Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Whitethroat

A Yellow Wagtail was the highlight this morning, flying west over the sheep fields. The bird was a bright male and called several times. A fine Lesser Whitethroat also had made landfall during the night and made a welcome change from the last few birdless mornings. The dapper Sylvia was in the very last gorse bush at the northern end and was joined by 2 Willow Warblers that flew in from the sea. There were at least eight Willow Warblers in the various Hawthorns today while at least 20 Wheatear were also dotted around the limstones (nearly all Greenland birds). Overhead were two Tree Pipit and 5 Redpoll making their west along with two Sand Martin and 7 Swallows. A light westerly wind made a welcome change from the brisk northerlies seen over Bank Holiday weekend, unfortunately it had swung back NW by the time I left for work. Some birds are now breeding with Meadow pipits, Skylarks and Linnets all showing signs of nesting activity. The Linnets are starting to look very dapper and the Skylarks are in full song. Picture by Rob Sandham.