p.m. Quarry area. A Cuckoo flew across the quarry at eye level, with irate birds in hot pursuit. Watched until it went over a rise opposite April Cottage. First I've actually seen here for donkey's. Other species inc: 3 linnet, raven, redpoll, whitethroat(s), stonechat et al. A circling (non-raptor) dot in the sky looked interesting, but it was just that - a dot - even through bins. Oh well.
30.04.24 7.00pm-8.30pm
Picking rods track area.
5 Wheatear, 13 Curlew including a flock of 9, Minimum of 5 Skylark, a single Golden Plover and numerous Lapwing.
Quarry area.
1 Stonechat, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat around the pond.
A single male Whinchat was along the fence by the quarry pool this afternoon. Plenty of Wheaters in the area, I counted at least 8 individuals. Grasshopper Warbler reeling briefly in the field above the quarry. Whitethroat below the quarry.
Had hoped that the sun would continue to shine, mostly because I knew the birds would disappoint, and they didn't let me down! Apart from the first willow warblers of the year (probably 3), and a group of 9 ravens, it was totally forgettable.
31.03.24 2 Male Wheatears in the sheep field next to the muddy path which leads to the quarry area. 1 male Stonechat showing well ,with a female and another pair putting in a brief appearance.
A red kite was seen from the quarry area in the semi-distance just beyond Gun Farm, probably right on the border. Other than that, it was very low-key stuff, with chiffchaffs the only migrants recorded. Still, when a curlew does a fly-by songflight just 30m in front of you, it's still uplifting.