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Tuesday 30 April 2013

Buzzard with missing primaries


This common Buzzard wandered over Shadoxhurst around mid-day, missing a few primaries it should be easy to pick-up again. You'd have to hope that it hasn't been shot.

Walking from the house to Blind grooms Lane, there were 3 Lesser whitethroats, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Nightingale in scrubby field edges. There are still little parties of Meadow Pipits passing through. Swallows seem abundant around Shadoxhurst this year, but we're still waiting to hear our first Cuckoo. Not a true migrant and notable by absence are Bullfinches, they seem to be getting even scarcer. As the month ends I note that Siskins, Redpolls all seem to have moved northwards now.

Insect wise, with plenty of sunshine now, we have seen the odd Brimestone and Orange tipped butterflies in the garden.

Meadow Pipit, Shadoxhurst playing field

2 comments:

scotthaughie said...

Nick....Have you considered that this could be a tree pipit? Strong bill, broad moustachial stripe, thin streaks on flanks..Can't see the hind claw but I bet it's short and curved:-)

Nick Green said...

Hello Scott,

I've posted a larger image for you to see. It was a very smart bird, but Tree pipits are so rare here now, I thought I'd put it down as a M.Pipit. Would be very interested to know what you think - with the bigger picture.