Redstarts at Redwell Wood Farm, Herts, 18th August 2022

I had not heard of this local site until highlighted by Rupert Evershed as there was a fall of migrant birds including Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and Redstarts. A visit the following day, showed it to be a very promising site on a ridge overlooking the Coursers Lane gravel pits. Sadly no sign of Pied Flycatcher but at least four Spotted Flycatcher were a welcome bonus!

Swallows were swooping over the paddocks, and the hedgerows held Yellowhammer, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and one very smart Willow Warbler. A Nuthatch put in a brief appearance.

I had an early brief view of two Common Redstarts, but later four, possibly five birds gave better views using a large Oak tree as a base and then hunting from a hedgerow.

Certainly a site with a lot of potential, especially in Spring and Autumn.