Beds n Herts then Beds again.

Blows Down, Ivinghoe Beacon, Wilstone Reservoir, Blows Down (again.) with Brendan G.
Arrived at Blows down about 08:30, target birds were Wheatear and Ring Ouzel. First we gave the "paddocks" a good going over but nothing much of interest. We then decided to go up to the "plateau," on our ascent we encountered another birder who informed us 2 Ring Ouzel had been reported on the "Kingsbury slope." But despite some intensive searching by ourselves and several other birders we could not locate any Ring Ouzel, however, we did note several Yellowhammer. We then made our way to the "Plateau" where we noted c20 Meadow Pipit, 10+ Skylark, 4 Buzzard and a single male Wheatear. We also noted a Hare.

Next stop was Ivinghoe Beacon. As soon as we had parked up we were straight onto a very distant male Ring Ouzel. We made our way towards the Ring Ouzel where we were treated to some great views of the bird perched up and feeding. Whilst at Ivinghoe we also noted, Red Kite, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Also at Ivinghoe were top Maple Cross birders Paul Lewis and daughter.

From Ivinghoe we went to Wilstone Reservoir in Herts. Here we noted a pair of Mistle Thrush feeding young, 50+ Sand Martin, 2 Red Kite, 9 Common Tern and thanks to Local birder Steve Rodwell 6 Sandwich Tern on the bunds for about 40 mins before flying off towards Marsworth. Whilst at Wilstone we received news that there was a Pied Flycatcher at Blows Down.

Last site visit of the day was a return to Blows Down. We joined about 15 other birders and before long we were treated to cracking views of a summer plumaged male Pied Flycatcher. We then gave the paddocks another look and were rewarded with great views of a male Wheatear, then another great show by the Pied Flycatcher before we made our way home.

sh4rpy, Brendan G.