Sunday 13th March 2011 - Shenstone

A somewhat quieter day around the patch today. No sign of any passage Stonechats here as of yet but today did herald the arrival of my first Chiffchaff of the year. With this individual 'wheating' away in the trees next to the Islamic school on Heath Lane. A Pied Wagtail and 2 Mistle Thrushes were on the ploughed section of the model aircraft field.

Winter thrush numbers are still decreasing with no Redwings seen today and only 3 Fieldfares present at Stanklyn Lane paddocks. A flock of c.120 Linnets was still present at the beet field and 12 Chaffinch were also in the area.

8 Corn Buntings were recorded around the patch today with 5 at Butts Lane, 2 at Heath Lane and a singing individual at Stanklyn Lane. 2 Yellowhammers were also seen at Butts Lane.

Skylarks were up singing in many parts of the patch.

No sign of my first butterfly of the spring yet but there certainly seem to be increasing numbers of Bumble Bees about.

Fieldfare - 13^th March 2011: