SUNDAY lunchtime turned up a good selection of birds of prey. Sparrowhawks have been very evident recently hunting across the pools and circling overhead. Six Buzzards were seen in the air at the same time today.The usual Kestrel hunted in the long grass at the back of the pool. A female Hen Harrier glided slowly across in front of the hide. What a view!! It disappeared from site and re-appeared a few minutes later quartering a field edge and hedge behind the pool.
A Hen Harrier was also seen in the summer during a visit from RSPB staff. I will have to check with Martin Grant but I think these are only the 2nd and 3rd records for Wall farm.

I wouldnt be surprised if it turned up again during the next week or so!!!

There are still a large number of dragon flies on and around the pool. Does anybody know what this species is called? Photographed on one of the fence poles by the hide.

email me on jslloyd@btinternet.com

MONDAY, and no sign of the Hen Harrier late afternoon and early evening but a Redshank called overhead as I left the hide.Pumping has resumed again and the pools are already begining to fill. Two or three Teal have arrived back.

TUESDAY and the Hen Harrier turns up again chasing Skylarks in the field at the back of the pool. There what did I tell you!

Lots of Skylarks this week with a flock of over 150. Linnets also in large numbers and on Saturday the first Little Grebe returns to the pool probably glad to see deeper water at last.

During the week several sightings of Kingfisher and still the odd Swallow. A counted 17 Long Tailed Tits and several Great, Blue and a Coal tit in one party of small birs moving noisely through the hedge.

Stonechat and Water Rail have been seen this week. Water Rails have been popping up all through the year. I wonder if they are breeding?