Waterworks

Conspicuous today was the large movement of hirundines piling through in large numbers avoiding the heavy showers and making haste toward the continent. By the time I made my way out the majority had made their way through.  A dozen Swallow lingered over the Waterworks and around 30 Sand Martin flew through.

The undoubted highlight were four Spotted Flycatcher that were present for around an hour before moving on.  They were typically flighty and a joy to watch.

There were also at least five Willow Warbler in the same area, and a Lesser Whitethroat making its way through with half a dozen Blackcap.  A juvenile Peregrine flew onto one of the pylons.

A quick look on the Beds held three Gadwall, seven Teal, and 26 Mallard, and three very young Moorhen - must have only been a few days old so a very late brood.

A Cetti's Warbler called close in from Bed 13 and a Goldcrest was seen calling from the scrub.