Soil Hill - updates from the week

Quite a lively week with a few bits to report. Migrant numbers remained good with at least 8 Willow Warbler still present and Whitethroats now also up to the same number. Sand Martins increased during the week with at least 10 in the quarry on the 9th. Oystercatcher, Snipe, Lapwing and Curlew still present daily. Both Red-legged and Grey Partridges still encountered on occasions.

04th May

YELLOW WAGTAIL flew westward across the bottom of the north slope, calling frequently. Sadly did not appear to stop and continued towards Ogden. Bird was extremely yellow so presumably it was a male. 

1 Wheatear

1 Stonechat

1 Jay flew south

05th May

WHINCHAT female was perched on the heather on the western side of the summit early morning. It then made rapid progress to the fence line at the top of the north slope before it flew down the slope where I was unable to relocate it. This all happened in the space of about 5 minutes. 

2 House Martin flew north

1 Goldcrest

1 Wheatear

-Whinchat

06th May

WHITE WAGTAIL 2cy female at the bottom of the north slope, in presence of a male Pied Wagtail. Another frustratingly brief encounter and I was unable to relocate the bird.

1 Chiffchaff
2 Wheatear
2 Stonechat

-White Wagtail

1 Sedge Warbler. In the evening returned to the site to see the Sedge Warbler NK had seen in the morning. Bird was elusive but has been present every day since and has been particularly showy at times. 

-Sedge Warbler

07th May

1 Cuckoo singing from Ogden

1 Stonechat

1 Wheatear

1 Swift, my first of the year here. Have been seen every day subsequently.

08th May
2 Wheatear

09th May
RED KITE flew slowly north over the Hill. Botched my camera settings unfortunately.
1 Green Woodpecker
1 Blackcap
1 Stonechat
1 Wheatear

-Red Kite

10th May
HOBBY flew over Taylor Lane and south in very windy conditions.