River Yare Valley at Barford, Norfolk

During my work break this afternoon I decided to check suitable habitat for summer migrants.  Starting at Barford Church, I walked along the Barnham Broom road and then took the footpath north which descends down to the River Yare valley.  The narrow path is tree-lined with a golf-course to the immediate west, whilst towards the low point of the path in the valley, a small area of very damp woodland carr habitat with scrubby understorey would hold most interest.  In the valley itself, the countryside is relatively open with wet, grass/rushy plain with a few pockets of reeds.
It was evident that as I approached the valley, the carr habitat held several singing Warblers, and indeed, I heard at least 3 Willow Warblers in song, at least 3 Blackcaps singing, and a number of Chiffchaffs also.


Jackdaw at Barford, Norfolk 14/04/15

The warm sunny conditions was surely to benefit Raptor species, the first was a single Red Kite being mobbed by a Crow species, later, a very high Red Kite drifted west.  Up to 4 Buzzards were seen and a single male Kestrel hunted over the plain.
A single male Swallow flew leisurely west along the valley was singing its beautiful twitter as it went.
My arrival back at the village saw ever-present Jackdaws around the church whilst a few other birds fed in a nearby paddock.
Back to work at 1500hrs following this pleasant walk.