Vibrant Linnet Population

The flock of linnets feeding in the fields of field beans has expanded to around two hundred individuals. Clearly, despite the weed killer used on these fields, there is plenty of weed seed available for these birds. It also signifies that this has been a very successful breeding season for these birds many of which appear to be juveniles.

A mixed flock of tits and warblers (probably chiffchaff) was flitting about the hedgerow alongside the path that runs between the two bean fields, some of the young warblers landed within a meter of where I was standing.

Daubenton's Bats

At the lake at dusk, watched numerous Daubenton's Bats flying low over the water. They were completley oblivious of my presence and flying very close to my face at times. It was clear that they were taking flies off the surface of the water which meant that they were competing with the torut which were still rising.

Norfolk Rhapsody

On a walk today with Dylan, counted fifteen hares, eight in just one field. One individual came out of a hedge not ten yards away and ambled down the track in front of us totally unaware of our presence until it scented Dylan who fortunatley was on the lead. On the same walk, we disturbed a covey of about ten grey partridge.
The lake has a family of tufted duck, moorhen and two dabchick. To date, I have caught four trout on fly. Now hooked on fly fishing!
Photos to follow.

Norfolk

Arrived this evening and going for a walk around the area, a hare came out out from a side lane onto the road I was walking along. It was about twenty yeards from me, but upon seeing me immediately turned and ran back from whence it came. Returning to the house, a barn owl swooped across the driveway in front of me.
Have just come indoors from observing a shooting star!

Birds Still Breeding

There is plenty of evidence around that many birds are still in the throes of the breeding season. Just today I have seen a hen house sparrow carrying food into the roof crevice of a neighbouring house, whilst a cock blackbird was similarly taking food to a nest. Five fledgling greenfinches have been feeding in the garden over the last few days.
The flock of linnets across the field has swollen from about thirty individuals to over fifty. They appear to be feeding on the weed seeds amongst the field beans which will soon be harvested. A kestrel was perched on the wires amongst them today, it flew off at my approach appearing to be carrying a large worm.

A miserable morning enlightenend

A dank morning, wearing my rubber boots for the first time in months. Then as I headed up towards the downs, a pair of goldfinches rose from the sow thistle edging the field bean crop. That was good enough but then a flock of around thirty linnets came out of the hedge and whirled around, determined not to leave the area. A mistle thrush broke into song, followed soon afterwards by a yellow hammer and of a sudden, the world seemed much brighter.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

With glorious weather, the birds were out in force along the coastal path. I have never seen so many linnets in one day and every few hundred yards you could also guarrantee to see a stonechat. But the real prize was to see small flocks of chough. Their plaintive calls btought them immediately to my attention but their playful flight was what really caught the eye. In a single day it was possible to see every member of the crow family excepting the hooded crow. Jay, magpie, jackdaw, rook and carrion crow all made an appearance, but none of these could outshine the choughs.