BIRDWATCH

The migrants have been with us for some weeks now. I have seen Whitethroats, Spotted Flycatchers, Willow Warblers, and Chiffchaffs, The last two are similar, small olive-brown birds but the chiffchaffs voice distinguishes them. Swifts are plentiful but there are only a few Swallows around and House Martins are scarce. Val saw the Martins return to their nests on Keysoe Road but they did not stay. Michael is pleased to tell me that the Swallows who nest in his barns have increased in number this year.

 At the edge of Keysoe Wood I was watching a Treecreeper feeding on the trunk of a large Ash when it suddenly walked upside down on the underside of a branch. In the ploughed field a pair of Lapwings were running about trying to avoid the attentions of a group of evil looking Black-headed Gulls and a Merlin settled on an overhead cable. A pair of Linnets flew out of the hedge followed by a family of Bullfinches who quickly disappeared back into the greenery.

 I do not always gaze up into the sky and have been enjoying the Spotted Orchids. Pat made me aware of a couple of the rare Bee-Orchids. Each curious flower appears to have a Bee resting on it.

 Goldfinches have nested in the small tree at the end of my patio and they visit my bird bath a mere ten feet away from my table. They must be some of the most delightful birds in our area?

 Stephen has had a Nuthatch leaving his wood to feed on his bird table. A few years ago I witnessed the strange behaviour of a pair of Mallards as they flew very fast in a large circle and repeated this for some time. This happened again recently but with three birds this time. Any ideas why they do this?

 At the top end of the village we have a tail less Magpie who flies very erratically!

"ROAMER"

May 2010