T0ny
Okillre Member
Since the heat wave continued unabated, decided to have a walk round the local farmland today. Loads of gulls (Common, Herring, Black-headed and Herring) on the ploughed fields, plus a few Lapwing. Wood Pigeons used their ubiquity as an excuse to be everywhere, but very few of the smaller birds I'd expected - one Chaffinch, a few Blackbirds (but no other thrushes), one Skylark, some Pied Wagtails. The only House Sparrows I saw were when I was nearly home, and my hopes of seeing Merlin, Harriers or Owls were dashed - the only raptors were one male Sparrowhawk, and one Kestrel hovering. Some Mallards on the duck pond were at least in the right place, and I dissuaded a fine male Pheasant from crossing the road until the traffic had cleared. Another flock of Lapwing flew over, about 40 in all, and a small flock of Golden Plover, and a party of twelve Red-legged Partridge finished the walk on a seasonal note.
Tony
Tony