Soil Hill

Despite the dull conditions today, was a lively and enjoyable morning on the Hill, with a few notable highlights.

• At 07:45 a Common Tern laboured west over Keelham, attracting significant attention from the local crows, which harrased the bird frequently. It eventually dropped down below the houses on Cragg Lane, near Denholme Velvets, and not reappear, so probably came to its end there, but the crows did not persue to finish it off. Although it is difficult to judge the injures inflicted by the crows from the distance observed, its slow and struggling flight could mean it had been already stricken by bird flu, although I have no actual evidence to back up this theory.

• On a happier note, a splendid male Whinchat was my first of the year.

• Across the site, there were six Wheatear today, down from 14 yesterday. 

• Other migrant totals; one Grasshopper Warbler (Two on the 30th April), six Willow Warbler and five Whitethroat.

In total managed 41 species this morning, the full list here; https://ebird.org/checklist/S135774758

-Whinchat

-Common Tern