Late additions

 I can’t believe it took until December 15th to add Coal Tit to the bird list (84), with a singing male up at the Rectory.

But all the more remarkable was I took until December 27th to see a Red Fox (12) with one in the front field.

A Weasel

 Saw my first village Weasel for a few years when one ran across the road in front of me near Church Farm. (11)

Better late than never

 Didn’t think I was going to see a House Martin in the village this year but a party of 6 birds hawking above the Rectory on the 29th September just crept onto the yearlist (83)

Fall of migrants.

This morning saw an influx of migrant birds in the back field with around 30 Meadow Pipits, 3 Stonechats and a Whinchat. Whinchat being my (82nd) village bird for the year.

Meadow Pipit

Stonechat (left) and Whinchat

Whinchat

New Birds

The Siskin irruption that is taking place all over the country has not evaded Hardmead and a small flock was seen around the Rectory on Tuesday. Today a Herring Gull was with a Lesser black backed flock up in the main road field. (81)

August 16th

A Kingfisher at the Home Farm pond was a very welcome addition to the village list today, (79)

New additions

This week has seen Garden Warbler added to the bird list (78) and Common Blue added to the butterfly list {21).