At dawn I visited high ground at North Pickenham to check a natural spring which is surrounded by Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Bramble, Elder, and Sallow. I have watched this particular site for many years now and it has always been a migrant magnet, especially in autumn.
The photograph above shows a small part of the spring with its dense habitat, a site which will almost certainly be visible from miles for migrant birds wanting to stop, feed, and rest. When I arrived most of what can be seen in the photo was in shade but as it became bathed in light from the rising sun, birds came to life as if to welcome the coming day. Birds seen within the habitat shown were:
1 Kestrel
Blackbird
4+ Song Thrush
Robin
Dunnock (many)
Wren
15+ Chiffchaffs
7+ Blackcaps
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
1 Bullfinch
6+ Yellowhammer
It was clear from visiting this habitat that Chiffchaffs (15+) had recently arrived, perhaps overnight, to rest and feed here. Once the sun had risen Chiffchaffs were particularly active with birds chasing each other and seeking food within Elder and other bushes. All the birds seen were now I freshly moulted plumage with one or two with strong supercilium, and looking quite smart.
Also seen was 7+ Blackcaps (males and 2 females), again looking smart as they searched for food, especially within Elder.
An afternoon walk through fields near my home produced 10+ Swallows low over fields.
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