Hail's View

Things were a bit more lively this morning at Hail's View, although the regular Barn Owls were not around when I arrived at dawn. Out on the mid brooks were c60 Lapwing, a distant wader which I first thought was a Ruff, but then decided on Greenshank (later confirmed by others), 4 Gadwall, a large flock of Wigeon flying over, 2 Marsh Harriers (including a dark one), a Hobby (probably the regular juvenile), and a smaller raptor that briefly hassled a Kestrel, which I'm sure was a Merlin. A flock c20 hirundines came over my head going away from me which were probably House Martins. A few Swallows came through too.  Meadow Pipits were trickling through and a total of 6 Siskins were seen. The main highlight, though, was at least 2 Lesser Redpoll calling over my head, although they weren't seen. This is a new bird for me, and I am usually reluctant to tick a bird I have never seen, but their call was so distinctive I had no option but to record them. 

Hail's View

Wigeon

Greenshank