Probable Tree Sparrows by the Farm.

Friday 7th April 2023.

This male Kestrel came by the Farm and put on a nice performance.

A much better start with the weather this morning with bright sunshine with hardly a cloud in the sky. It was still rather cool though, with a fresh northerly blowing to remind all that winter wasn't long ago. First, I took a walk down to ‘Pooh Bridge’ and then up the track opposite the Alpaca Field and even across one of the back fields to view from there. But despite the sunny weather, there was nothing new to be excited about, but there was always something to look at along the way.

A pair of Stock Doves were in the Alpaca field.

The 'Pooh Bridge’ area was rather quiet this morning though there were a few Chiffchaff seen flitting about, but none close enough to grab a photo or two. The Willow Tit was heard singing again this morning, though distant and this time, I did not get a view of the bird. A few Siskin flew over calling, but there was no chance in getting a glimpse of the birds as they are so tiny and to glimpse one against a bright blue background proved impossible.

Above, this Dunnock held territory along the small hedge and below, a distant Common Buzzard laid claim to another hedgerow.

From the scrubby area to the fields, I picked out a pair of Stock Doves in the Alpaca Field, but they didn't hang around too long on my approach. On one of the distant hedgerows, a Common Buzzard was perched until flying off eastbound over the countryside. It might have taken nearly all week, but my first Skylarks of the trip here to North Yorkshire finally showed, as first a single bird flew high overhead singing and then a second bird was heard only singing in the neighbouring field. Singing Yellowhammers were heard in the distance and the occasional bird flew high overhead.

Some more photos of the male Kestrel.

I was pretty sure that a pair of Tree Sparrows were in the hedge by the car park at the Farm, but before I could get to look at them through the binoculars, they both flew off; but judging by their calls, I am 99% sure they were. Walking back to the Cottage, a male Kestrel came in and hovered over the scrubby area near the car park, showing very well. It did dive down to catch something, but checking its empty talons, I think it failed this time around as it flew off towards the Alpaca field.

Above, a Red-legged Partridge near the end of the Alpaca field. Below, the path here was quite muddy and wet first thing this morning. To the right, the Alpaca field and to the left, the Wigwam field that also held Holiday accommodation. 

The rest of the day was spent in the City of York. Not for my benefit of course, but for the ladies again and it was simply packed with people. Shops, shops and more bloody shops; which is quite possibly my worst nightmare, so thank God there were a few watering holes available. The Park and Ride was superb and yes, Yorkminster was very impressive, but never again, hopefully. Birding pal, Geoff Farwell sent me a text to say he was birding at Farley Mount this morning where he had two Goshawks and a steady movement of Linnets. I have not seen a Goshawk yet this year, but we will probably see one in the New Forest sooner or later.  We all make our way home tomorrow for the long journey home, but I will say that the hospitality during our stay here has been superb and the accommodation excellent.