An early-ish start today and it was cold and therefore not the most ideal of conditions for migration but there was plenty of cloud cover!
I wasn’t expecting much action in the sky however the local Buzzards were making use of whatever thermals there were so I guess there was still a chance of a raptor. I headed up the lane on a “bush kicking” mission. A handful of Swallow and a Sand Martin ventured N low through the valley. The Lesser Whitethroat was still singing its heart out. Chiffchaff and Blackcap were also in good voice.
I am yet to find Willow Warbler which had already landed on Portland a while back. I connected with Whitethroat yesterday but would expect more birds to be coming through with a few occupying territories. Garden Warbler will probably be harder to find but there are a few Blackcap in the area of late.
As I was making my way back down the hill a Red Kite came into view and seemed on a mission flying NNE over the A35. There has been a lull in this species over the Water Meadows of late but the valley must still be producing warm updrafts of air which has assisted this species with its migration this year.
The local Canada Geese have successfully bred and a newly fledged Robin greeted me (all be it looking a bit stunned!) at the bottom of the lane.
I moved on to Athelhampton again in search of passerines. This area of the River Piddle Valley is dry beyond the river banks at this time of year therefore any remaining wildfowl tend to stay on the adjacent Water Meadows. A few House Martin (which may be local birds!) and a couple of Swallow were noted.
A walk along the path by the River gave good views of Siskin that also utilize the trees within Athelhampton House and the feeders in the adjacent garden!
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