Monday 5th September 2011 - Shenstone

I arrived at the patch late morning and headed over to Butts Lane.  The juvenile Black Redstart was still present at Eastfields Farm, as were 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (♂ and ♀), a Jay and a Mistle Thrush.  There was no sign of yesterday's Whinchat in the Butts Lane/Barrs Lane area, but a ♂ Kestrel and 2 Common Buzzards were seen.  A Red Admiral butterfly was also on the wing here.

I popped to Heath Lane next where a flock of c.60 Linnet were put up by a ♀ Sparrowhawk at the large stubble field.

Stanklyn Lane was quiet, with the only notable birds being 12 Pied Wagtails in the paddocks.

My final stop was Witch Lane where I was treated to possibly the best views of Hobby I have had this year.  At one point the bird was hawking low over the cereal field and came within about 30ft of me before turning and heading in another direction.  I've got to say Hobby is definitely in my top ten favourite birds...they are just so fast and agile...quality bird!

Great Spotted Woodpeckers

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