Tuesday 3 May 2011

May 3rd

A cool bright start, with very little wind to speak of compared to yesterday, there were a couple of GOLDFINCHES in the car park and a PHEASANT called from Park Field. I made my way towards the lake via the veg garden, as usual. I could hear a couple of COMMON WHITETHROATS and saw them both display, a LESSER WHITETHROAT rattled in the same hedge. It looks like the HOUSE MARTINS could stay around this year, they are certainly investigating a nest box put up under the eaves of the cottages, which is good. At least 8 SWALLOWS were heading out over the veg garden and pasture, the most so far this year, a single CANADA GOOSE flew along the valley as 2 GREYLAGS flew towards the lake, as I got to the moat a SWIFT (96) flew over the gardens proper, I rang Stephen, as I had seen his car in the car park, to let him know there was one about as he answered 'Are you ringing about the Swift?' he was, evidently, the other side of the garden by the lakes! Walking round the fields there were several LINNETS, YELLOWHAMMERS and the NIGHTINGALE was singing, also the 2 KESTRELS were next to the stream again. The only other additions today were a nice bright GREENFINCH and a HERRING GULL drifting slowly south-west.

7 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Saw the Swift then Alan :-) Spot. fly's next !

Phil said...

All of a sudden Swifts are everywhere Alan. Just how I like it.

Rachel J said...

Now you're so near 100 I'm wondering what bird 100 is going to be? Are you taking any bets???

Alan Pavey said...

Hi Warren, Spot Fly, then a definite lull, I think :-(

Hi Phil, It's always nice to add Swift, hopefully they'll be whizzing around the village again this year.

Hi Rach, I am sometimes a betting man, my guess would be Sedge Warbler sometime in July :-) although I hope I don't have to wait that long for the 100!

ShySongbird said...

It is lovely to have the Swallows and Swifts etc. back again!

Your mention in a reply of the Sedge Warbler reminds me that a couple of weeks ago I spent ages by a hedge which contained an extremely vociferous Sedge Warbler but it just would not show itself ;)

Bob Bushell said...

Swallows and Swifts are here already, but, there is no sign of the House Martin.

Alan Pavey said...

Hi ShySongbird, They are great to have back, listening to them on a summer evening, while sitting in the garden, who could ask for more :-)

Sedge Warblers do have a good repertoire, it's amazing how sometimes you can't see them though they are only feet away, I'm sure they do it on purpose!

Hi Bob, I would imagine your House Martins are just playing hard to get and will show themselves soon :-)