Sunday 19 April 2009

Beddington 190409


A bit of sun today and a steady NE wind. Not much in the way of visible migration. A few small groups of Cormorants and large gulls moving over- perhaps displaced by sunday watersports or closed landfills. About 30+ House Martins and 10 Swallow. 4-6 Sand Martins are hanging around the outflow.
Most interesting today was the rather sudden influx of Whitethroat (12+ on my walk- perhaps 20-30 on the whole farm) and Blackcap (I had 14+ singing males- perhaps double that on the whole farm). Also 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1-2 Chiffchaff and 3 Reed Warblers singing. 2 male Chaffinches holding ground on Hundred Acre and about 10+ singing male Greenfinches across north end of farm. Obviously a bit of a push to occupy breeding territories over the last few days. A pair of Gadwall hanging around, Tufted Duck mating, Coots fighting, Long-tailed Tits nesting building, Mallard chicks out, the usual Mallard gang rapes and lots of song.

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