
Robin calls were piercing the thin mist and peeling it back so by the time I'd reached Croston Finney the sky was powder blue. 60+ lapwings broadly flapping to my right, a grey heron's lollopping flight to my left and then-
A merlin chases two tiny birds, finds itself mobbed by three crows and then, seizing their advantage, the two tiny birds fly down on it and mob it too! What a sight chipping in! The five of them forcing the merlin down.

And on towards Croston Moss where four red-legged partridges stand motionless, heads thrust high, peeping over the stubble as a flock a goldfinch jingle by.
Then homeward bound to rescue a rosemary leg of lamb, roast parsnips and spuds from the oven. Mmmmmmmmm.
photos of grey partridge and merlin copied from http://www.rspb.org.uk
4 comments:
wonderful description of your birdwatching sights!
Love your walk. we too have a merlin. Last year one hit our kitchen window and was badly injured. We donned gardening gloves and caught it in a strawberry net, put it in a box and took it to the vet but its wing was too badly broken and he had to put it down. It was such a beautiful and such a wild bird that we really felt a sense of loss.
Yummm roast lamb and veges. I was just watching four blue cheeked honeyeaters squabbling in the tree outside. Now I'm hungry,
Thanks for the comments.
Weaver - what a shame about the kestrel. At least you knew what to do and tried. I've never seen a wild bird that close up I bet it was amazing - and very sad too given the circumstances.
Gingatao - Blue-cheeked honey-eaters - are you from Australia? We went to the Blue Mountains once for a holiday - awesome!
Post a Comment