Field Studies

A most enjoyable day. We went to a local BTO meeting today, where we looked at bird survey techniques and put them into practice. The weather turned out to be very nice, which lifted the spirits. Later, I had a little walk around my top patch and saw lots of birds, including an unusual sighting of a small group of Mallards. Normally there is no significant water in this area. but these few had clearly been attracted by a large puddle. I also saw a good-sized flock of Fieldfares, and a Buzzard, a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk.