The forecast promised showers and breezy conditions, but we were sorely in need of some fresh air so we decided to try the grassy pool behind the soil mounds for Hirundines. The birds have been seen skimming the pool and surrounding long grass for insects on rare ocassions when the sun shines. As it turned out, the cloud was too high, the sun too intermittent and the wind too strong and we caught no Swallows or Sand Martin, however we managed a first Snipe (age 3) for the site, confirming our instincts that winter ringing at this spot would be worthwhile. Also a Wheatear that flew down past us towards the nets, saw them and sat on the pole, before flying off! We erected a single 60' next to the car and connected with a mixed foraging flock including a few Chiff-Chaffs.
A flock of some 40 Goldfinch were seen over the adjacent fields and we passed a flock of 100+ Linnet as we departed.
Totals: 7
Snipe - 1
Chiff-chaff - 4
Blue Tit - 2
A flock of some 40 Goldfinch were seen over the adjacent fields and we passed a flock of 100+ Linnet as we departed.
Snipe - 3
Totals: 7
Snipe - 1
Chiff-chaff - 4
Blue Tit - 2