Patch sightings 21/April/2016

Went for a decent walk around the local patch today, very productive migrant wise. Found at least 6 Lesser Whitethroat's in the blackthorn hedge behind the farm near the railway line. This area of mixed scrub habitat borders the River Yeo is fantastic for migrants as a stop off "refuelling station". This is the first spring site record of Lesser Whitethroat, a long awaited addition to the spring migrant list.
All previous 16th records occured during autumn passage in September. A great start of to patch birding.

Further along the willow scrub and dense hedgerows, Willow Warbler & Chiffchaff were moving in small numbers. Elusive Nightingale gave brief view and started singing in the blackthorn. This is the 5th site record and 2nd this year for the patch with the previous record in the garden nearby!!!


1 Female Redstart, 6+ Whitethroat, 10+ Blackcap, 2 Skylark, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting along with Stock Dove &2 Green Woodpecker were nice additional bonus to the day's birding.

Lesser Whitethroat

Blackthorn hedge where the Lsr Whitethroat's were.