CF sector birds: We enjoyed our first
Redstart of the autumn, a male which spent its time feeding along McManic Way [between the Watchpoint and Broadfield], in the same area as an unusually showy
Lesser Whitethroat. Two
Wheatears were new in and found sufficient turf in the recently harvested Broadfield. A reasonable number of
House Martins and
Swallows arrived ahead of the afternoon rain, numbering 40 and 200 respectively and with a slightly tardy
Swift in their midst. Both
Peregrine and
Hobby are on the log for the day, the former visiting Stoney Nob (seemingly the adult male from the other day) and the latter cruising high overhead during the morning. Four
Meadow Pipits flew through, a
Mallard was heard calling and 11
Black-headed Gulls flew over. 10
Chiffchaffs were scattered around the farm but only two
Willow Warblers were to be found. Two
Blackcaps and three
Whitethroats were also seen. Three
Pied Wagtails were noted at Legal & General and three
Little Owls were calling around the farm.
Skylarks have performed their usual late summer vanishing act recently but one was heard today. The
Tawny Owl in Lunch Wood was hooting again and usual raptors included a male
Kestrel, two
Sparrowhawks and four
Buzzards. 52 species in total.
CF sector butterflies: A
Red Admiral was seen near Canons Farmhouse and a couple of
Meadow Browns were seen.
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| 1cy ♂ Redstart |
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| Wheatears near Reads Rest Cottages |
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| adult ♂ Peregrine on Stoney Nob |
David Campbell (photo 1), Steve Gale (photos 2-3), Paul Goodman, Linda Mount, Ian Pratley et al
