16th May 2017

A Spotted Flycatcher sallying from the treetops on the edge of the Harholt Plantation was a pleasant surprise in the morning, being a tricky species to pick up on spring passage. Two Hobbies spent some time hawking over the plantation, where a flock of four Grey Herons and 300 Herring Gulls flew over. A 2cy Red Kite hung low over Coneyboro Hill and it, or another, was seen over the farm. Two Lesser Whitethroats were singing around Harholt and Hillwood Field, while two Garden Warblers were also singing (between the Holly Lane car park and Outwood Lane, and near the BW housing estate). Two House Martins, a Swallow and three Swifts flew over the farm, while three Pied Wagtails were seen at Legal & General and a Mistle Thrush was near Perrotts Farmhouse. Five more Swallows flew over Harholt and a Tawny Owl was there.

As for butterflies, BW counts included 10 Dingy Skippers, two Grizzled Skippers, 10 Brimstones, two Orange-tips, two Peacocks, five Small Heaths, four Common Blues, a Holly Blue, a Small Copper and five Green Hairstreaks. CF had three Peacocks, eight Small Whites and a Brimstone.
Spotted Flycatcher at Harholt
Hobby over Harholt
2cy Red Kite over Coneyboro Hill
Grey Herons over Harholt
Blackcaps at Harholt
Swift over Canons
adult Buzzard

Geoff Barter, David Campbell (photos), Duncan Jennings, Ian Pratley, Mark Stanley, Nic Tidmarsh and Woodchips