Final Winter Sessions

Yellowhammer [male]

Yellowhammer [pair]
Yellowhammer [female]

Linnet [male]

Willow Warbler

Willow Warbler

Fieldfare

Chaffinch

Record shot of distant Stoat

Small Tortoiseshell

Last term Fridays were so awful week after week, that 2 extra days were set aside after all the other classes had finished to catch up; and today the final sessions were held. Winter was represented by a Fieldfare, but generally signs of spring were everywhere. Birdsong was omnipresent with Mistle & Song Thrushes, Wrens, Robins, Great Tits, Dunnocks, Goldfinches & Greenfinches all blasting out their phrases. There were at least 4 singing Willow Warblers, almost a dozen male Yellowhammers, a few Chiffchaffs, a barking Little Owl (pm), plenty of Linnets, a couple of Bullfinches, a single soaring Buzzard, and a single soaring Sparrowhawk. There were also some butterflies: Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Commas, and a single male & a single Female Brimstone. A cheeky Stoat stared out of a large Rabbit hole, but didn't catch a Rabbit while we were watching. A male Greenfinch performed its slow-motion "butterfly" courtship flight for the benefit of the afternoon group, rather than for any watching female Greenfinches. The only disappointment was a lack of Red Kites, but it was a very calm day, so that may be why they were absent. Hopefully, Fridays will have much better weather next term, which starts next week for all sessions!