Back on home patch

Out early this morning for a bird count on my local patch.

36 different species seen but quite a few regulars not around this time.

The highlights. - Cuckoo calling, Common Sandpiper on Shelf Brook and of course the Swallows and Martins. I was treated to a close formation flypast by 5 Sand Martins - great to see them along with the more common locally House Martins.

After seeing and hearing a good number of Redstarts and some Pied and Spotted Flycatchers last week while in the Lake District I was hopeful that I might seen some locally but none on this occasion.