Threxton and Little Cressingham

I arrived at Threxton church prior to sunrise on what was to be a bright and cool morning with a fresh south-westerly wind.  The first noticeable observation was the presence of good numbers of House Martins and a few Swallows over the sewage treatment works, these Hirundines were probably a mix of locally bred and passage birds which will be attracted to this site where winged insects will provide good feeding.
Despite the wind strength several common migrant birds were found in a site which offered shelter and feeding.



Chiffchaff taking time out to preen at Threxton 16/09/13

1 Hobby
1 Kestrel
50+ Lapwings
100+ House Martins
Swallow
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
2 Marsh Tit
Great Tit
3 Meadow Pipit (high west)
Linnet
10+ Goldfinch

In windy conditions, birds like to seek shelter where they can feed and rest in relative comfort.  One of my regularly visited sites in Threxton is a densely wooded deep pit which offered the necessary shelter for migrants this morning.  Deep down in the pit and out of the wind was Blackcap (female feeding), Chiffchaffs, and a pair of Marsh Tits, the pictured Chiffchaff was seen in an Elder where it was seen preening.  A male Blackcap was heard singing.
A few House Martins passed overhead and a single Swallow weaved lower down through the trees and bushes closer to me.
Also noted in the area was Chaffinches, a few Linnets, Goldfinches, and a calling Treecreeper.
Further along the lane back at the sewage treatment works 100+ House Martins swarmed around the area picking off insects, these Hirundines themselves attracted the attention of a single Hobby which flew through low and fast intent on taking a bird.