Grey Wagtail’s Visit

The only food we are putting out at present in the garden are fat balls but this week we have been visited by an amazing number of birds. Two Grey Wagtails were the big surprise and as there is no flowing water in the garden I can only presume that these two were on passage from the hills of the Pennines. Three Song Thrushes together was a garden record and ten Long Tailed Tits was not far short of the record either. In addition we have had both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Wren on regular visits. The biggest surprise was a Red Legged Partridge in a neighbouring garden where there are poultry. This was a free flying bird and where it has come from is a mystery.

On Hopwood I have encountered a party of seven Redpolls and a party of six Bullfinches. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were seen plus a very young Short Tailed Field Vole so it looks like they are breeding well. No migrant thrushes have arrived yet until the wind swings around to the East.