randombirder

The sunny days continued for another full week.  It has felt like deja vu all over again .  I have no idea what day it is and frankly, it is of little importance right now.  I haven't spoken to anyone in a long time - I mean apart from those 'how are you? I'm doing ok ' type conversations you have with kith and kin, and the odd passer-by.  Yes - exchanging morning pleasantries with fellow lockdowners is a thing. The morning walks have been great though - I'll stop mentioning how lovely the countryside is round here. It's been slow going to be fair, with little variety but a fair bit of interest around the local area. Sightings of northern wheatear have been a daily occurrence in their usual spots with six being the mean daily counts split between the airfield and The Homestead paddocks.  There have been some lovely males present. The farmland backdrop contains a bounty of  Skylark , Corn Bunting  and Yellowhammer dominating the ai

The days weatherwise have been lovely.  Blue skies with wall to wall sunshine.  A small blip at the weekend was brief before high pressure dominated once again.  A keen easterly has made it feel a bit chilly.  Just a pity I don't have a reservoir close by but am grateful for the solitude found in the local countryside. I've discovered Weston Hills NR.  It's a 15 minute walk from the flat.  The habitat looks great for passerines, areas of scrub and mixed woodland with a few clearings.  It also appears to be a good site for butterflies and wild flowers.  We shall see what the next few weeks conjures up. This Greenfinch posed for me at Weston Hills.   Wheatear once again have been in good supply.  Three were seen on the 18th along with three Lapwing on the IW ridge that appear to be breeding in fields close by. On the 19th, Wheatear numbers increased to six on the airfield.  A Yellow Wagtail was present there.   Bird of the day went to a su

Numbers continue to hit our screens.  They are hard to comprehend and it's difficult to know how to feel when faced with our daily dose of sombre statistics.  It doesn't seem real while tucked away at home . Taking any comfort to maintain equilibrium whether it's peering out on a nights sky to see a glowing full moon dominating the night sky, or heading out on local walks brings with it a sense of comfort. I get to enjoy views like this just a fifteen minute walk from home. The circuit loops through the countryside and back over the A505 bypass. The airfield used in usual times for the NLMFC model aircraft flying club.  The large grassy area has been great for Northern   Wheatear that have been regular since the first sighting on the 8th.  A single Wheatear was present on the 11th on the Radwell   plateau  with a  Yellow Wagtail  there will I'm sure be a regular sighting through the Spring/Summer.  There were seven Swallow sighted on th

The warm weather has at least provided solace for some as we all endure this horrendous period of our lives. Taking advantage of my one daily exercise opportunity per day - a bike ride round the local area absorbing the morning views across the rolling countryside.  It looks great when the sun's out. Across the arable landscape, Skylark are abundant. Corn Bunting appear to sing from every vantage point. Corn Bunting An assortment of farmland birds include regular sightings of Yellowhammer , Reed Bunting , and Meadow Pipit . Reed Bunting There have been occasional sightings of Grey Partridge on various dates with an adult and a young bird on the 7th. The weather has improved with a flourish but it was a little cooler last weekend when in the hope of connecting with my first summer migrants, I instead had a flock of around 100 Fieldfare in an newly ploughed arable field near The Nook [farm] on the 3rd.  A single bird was seen on the 4th.

We're now in lockdown.  The Covid-19 virus has now spread onto our shores and the signs are that it will continue to strengthen its grip over the subsequent weeks and maybe months. These are deeply concerning times.  The numbers of recorded infections and deaths appears to be growing exponentially with Italy and Spain bearing the brunt of the rising infection rates. While some continue to flout the guidance on the measures set out by the government to suppress the infection rate, it does appear that the majority of people are conforming to this new way of life.  It is always heartening to acknowledge the good in humanity with many altruistic and benevolent acts in support of those that are struggling through these unprecedented times. Living day by day is become a real challenge for all of us.  Remaining housebound for large portions of the week is something I'm not used to.  Work projects have all been placed on hold and the risk of being furloughed has now crept into th