Bramfield 21st April 2021

My visits to Bramfield tend to be in early January to see the Hawfinches, though sadly this year they failed to show. However, the farmland to the south and west is good for farmland birds and after hearing Wheatear were present I ventured up there. A quick check to see if the Little Owl was in the favoured tree drew a blank but a Nuthatch was calling and showing well.

Heading out into the farmland a pair of Yellowhammer were present in one of the hedgerows.

Skylarks were plentiful and singing well, but trying to photograph them was a different matter. Fortunately, one was more confiding allowing a closer approach.

A couple of Yellow Wagtails were present but with the wide open spaces tricky to pin down and the best I could get was one perched up on the telephone lines.

Probably the surprise birds of the day were two Corn Buntings, again evident on the wires. I usually have to travel to North Hertfordshire for these so good to see a pair so far south.

So, finally on to the target bird of the day. Two beautiful male Wheatears. I was quite surprised to see one perched up on the hedge rather than on the ground and it allowed a close approach. Great to see, before they move off North to breed.

A stunning bird to end the morning on!