Wheatear in North Herts, 28th March 2026

Spring migration has started, and with the news of Wheatear arriving, time to visit North Herts which is a reliable spot for them. The slightly higher ground between Royston and Baldock is a magnet for some migrants including Wheatear, Yellow Wagtails as well as the odd Black Redstart. However on the way up I stopped off near Therfield and walked up towards Church Hill. This is the view from the top.

It's also a good place to watch Red Kites.

The Rooks are also very confiding, possibly attracted by the nearby McDonalds! If you look closely at the 2nd image, this bird seems very keen on Cadbury's mini eggs!

The main reason for stopping here though, was to see the display of Pasque flowers, the flower of Hertfordshire. A very early bloomer and such a great colour.

So on to the Wallington Road and straight away, a singing Corn Bunting up on the wires. A distant record shot.

The walk to the model aeroplane field is an interesting one with a few Skylarks and this Meadow Pipit.

A couple of days beforehand, there had been 3 or 4 Wheatear present, but today I only located one male bird which again was not on the short grass, but in the stubble field to the side. Initially, it was a little way off, but eventually it moved nearer and I was able to get the sun behind me and take some shots.

Such a smart bird. Good also to bump into Tony Carp.