BIRDS

During our visit we intended to do many things and we did. I was over ambitious within the time frame of those few weeks as some we could never have achieved. We noted what came our way without actually going out birding. We examined our boundaries and the vegetation within, photographed them all in order that we had a log which we can refer back too. 

I can say the same about butterflies that came our way - large & small whites, Red Admirals, Peacocks, Speckled Woods and maybe a Fritillary. Moths and trapping was beyond me this time but the night air was full of flying insects. All to plan for next time. 

Speaking to the locals there are other birds that have been seen which include both Kingfisher and a Dipper. I had hoped to spend time on a river courses and that will be next time too. We were also a tad late for Nightjars but we did learn of the place to go. 

We were delighted to find out that a Barn Owl was around. Matt had seen it before we arrived and within the first few days we watched it hunting and Michelle was able to get this one sitting on a post. After a few more days we saw it no more. 

Below is this year’s list of the bird species that we saw with some of them entertaining us while we sat and watched. Species List:

Blackbird 

Canada Geese grazing nearby.

Common Buzzard

 

CORVIDS 

Carrion Crow 

Jackdaw 

Jay - just one quick fly over 

Magpie 

Raven - overhead and calling daily 

Rook 

Dunnock - a juvenile & photographed

Hobby - I think - on migration going south. High up and ‘hawking’ as it went and I have seen that behaviour before. So the greater possibility it was a hobby and maybe an adult as it was 30th August. Two other possibilities were a Red-footed or an Elanora’s but in terms of numbers - a Hobby and I will settle for that. I have seen them twice in Spain on migration. One going south and ‘hawking’ and one resting in spring. Good to see. 

FINCHES

Chaffinch 

Gold 

Greenfinches 

GULLS

Black-headed 

Herring 

House Sparrows - doing really way just up the road. 

Nuthatch - on feeder 

OWLS 

Barn - seen flying over The Platt & in the field. Michelle with her Nikon P900 captured it sitting on a post. We all saw one flying over our neighbouring field. 

Tawny - calling every night from Longcarne Farm and other directions. 

Robin

 

Song Thrush - but sadly only one 

Swallows feeding and flying overhead. They nested in a neighbour’s building. 

Stonechat - just up the road from us 

TITS

Blue 

Coal 

Great 

(Willow) only possible and something to concentrate on next time. 

Tree Creeper (just once) 

WOODPECKERS 

Green - always to be heard 

Greater Spotted 

Lesser Spotted 

Wood Pigeon (Note - no Collared Doves) 

Wren I saw three youngsters on a wood pile and they were frequent visitors and if we remained still & quiet they did not care. They were so much fun. 

Totalling 32 and that is a good number as the birds found us!