Sunday 23rd December 2012 - Shenstone

Early afternoon, I managed to grab a bit of time and pop down to the patch for what may be my last visit over the festive period. 

I had been messaged by fellow blogger and local birder Craig Reed (Midlands Birder) who had popped down to catch up with the Corn Bunting flock and I decided to pop down and catch up for a natter.  Craig had recorded a count of 64 Corn Buntings and also managed to get decent views of the ♀/imm. Merlin that has been knocking about around the area for a few weeks now.

On arrival, the Merlin had been flushed but many of the Corn Buntings were still present.  Also of note in this area were 3 Yellowhammers, 1♀ Reed Bunting, c.60 Chaffinch and 30 Linnet.  In the hedge/bushes along the footpath to Captains Pool there was a group of 5 Goldcrests present.

At Stanklyn paddocks a Green Woodpecker and a Jay were noted, but otherwise things were fairly quite there.  A ♀ Kestrel was observed hovering over the gallops.

In contrast Heath Lane was chuffing with birds.  On arrival I was treated to the spectacle of 2 Ravens having a right ding dong at a Common Buzzard down on the ground in one of the fields.  The large field opposite the Islamic school was very productive with c.200 Fieldfare and c.100 Starlings busily feeding away.

Further up the lane a ♂ Kestrel was on the wires over the paddock and another Common Buzzard was also noted.  5 Fieldfare were perched up in the trees between the school and the paddock.  In the adjacent field 86 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, c.40 Starlings and 20 Chaffinch were noted feeding on the deck.

The Butts/Barrs Lane area was very quiet although I did add 2 more Yellowhammers to the day's list.

As this is most likely my last post of the festive season, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christamas!

♂ Kestrel - Heath Lane

Fieldfare - Heath Lane