First Cuckoo and Swift of Spring - Broomfield Track 06/05/20

It was pretty quiet as I walked round today but good to be out. One of the Little Owls was on its usual perch and, as always, was a pleasure to see. A Chiffchaff was singing away while a male Blackcap was giving it a far bit of competition in the singing department, almost drowning it out at times.

Little Owl

A patch of Speedwell glowed in the afternoon light. They are lovely little flowers.

As I headed back down to the lower path a Common Buzzard soared above and I could also see Kestrel and Sparrowhawk in the air at the same time. The Long-tailed Tit was still busily collecting food.

Long-tailed Tit

A small flock of Jackdaws were vocal as they routed amongst the grass in the cow paddock. A gull passing low over caused one to pause in its feeding, crouch down and looking up call out in alarm.

Jackdaw

Jackdaw

As I neared the end of my walk I caught sight of a Swift (111) feeding over the horse paddock while a Cuckoo (112) was calling from the hedgerow, my first of the Spring, and both made a very nice finish to the visit.

A Striking Jackdaw - Broomfield Track 27/3/20

It was fairly quiet for my walk round today with no real obvious change from my previous visit. A couple of Chiffchaff were singing away in competition with each other as I started out and a couple of Robin flitted in and out of the hedgerow as I walked down. It was a much duller day today weather wise and the only butterfly I saw was a single Peacock disturbed from the path.

A couple of Common Buzzard were soaring over the wood and as I started the last leg of the circuit a Kestrel streaked across the lower paddock scattering Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws as it went. Amongst the Jackdaws was a striking individual with noticeable amounts of white feathering in its wings as it flew, with some of the secondaries and primaries being pure white. It was noticeable at rest but particularly striking when it flew.

Jackdaws

Jackdaw

Jackdaw

As I finished my walk alarm calls rang out as a male Sparrowhawk streaked through a gap in the hedge in pursuit of a Blue Tit. On seeing me it banked sharply giving a stunning view as it did so before tucking its wings in tight and disappearing through what appeared to be an impossible small gap in the hedge. A stunning end to the walk.