more Martins

Impressive numbers of Sand Martins along farborough bank and over the north shore this morning with an estimated 1500 present along with much fewer numbers of House Martin and Swallows plus 20 Swift. On the whole the visit was quiet apart from a record equalling count of 9 Little Egret with one on the inlet while at the same time 8 were showing in greys barn including 7 roosting with 2 Grey Heron. From farborough spit you could only see 4 so worth walking further along toft bank. Peregrine and Raven briefly plus 4 Common Tern and 8 Yellow Wagtail were the only other birds worth noting. For the third visit running there were no signs of any Redstarts or Spotted Flycatchers on Napton on the Hill so presumed they have all cleared out? Raven, 4 Mistle Thrush, single Swift, Sparrowhawk and 8 Buzzards were on offer though the views were amazingly clear and made up for any migrants with the folly in Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, Cheshire gap and the Malvern Hill, Worcestershire all observed

still around despite my new neighbours having 2 cats