Warblers

With autumn migration in full flow and with the hedgerows dripping with fruit...

... and large numbers of insects on the wing...

... it was perhaps no surprise that there were good numbers of birds around this morning, even in Cuddesdon. The hedges around South Field held at least 5 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. In local terms this is warbler activity on an almost unprecedented scale and the latest date that the last two species have been seen here. Add in migrating Swallow and House Martin, and wintering Linnet, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers and at times there was almost something to look at. And it's not often you can say that around here.