Sunday 18th May - Hot and Sunny

Yesterday we went to my sister's in Reading for my Mum's 91st birthday so expecting a completely birdless day, but  Red Kites were almost abundant over the town and a Peregrine flew over the garden. 

 This morning I had an early morning walk on Lynchmere Common. Plenty of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers and Blackcap, a single Common Whitethroat and a single Redstart, with 5 flyover Crossbills and 2 Spotted Flycatchers (my first in the UK this year).

Late this afternoon 2 Turtle Doves appeared in the garden and spent about an hour competing with a Pheasant to find some grain, had assumed the one I saw briefly on Friday evening was just passing through, but maybe this pair are a little more local.

Pair of Turtle Doves in garden