0515hrs. Dawn chorus is going strong but definately phasing out by 0545hrs. Had Chiffchaff "Lee" singing away from somewhere around Thornleigh/Dalton House.
0915hrs-1100hrs. Went through Dalton Crags (Crag House side) and up to top of Crags, then into (upper/deforested) to Trig and a little area on the common, back down to Dalton, and down checking out the (Nineteen Trees) side of Dalton and back.
Had 20 calling Willow Warblers in the Dalton areas. Had another 5 calling to the W & NW sides of the Trig Point (close). On way up had a Swallow but not going North, it had decided to go back South (only temporarily I'm sure!!). Odd Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Redpoll all heading North, and 7 Siskin (2 parties passing over to the East.
The Tree Pipits of Dalton.
"His song is so beautiful, so special,
It blends with, and matches his territory,
So lonesome, singular, descending with,
Such windborn parachuting elegance"
You are truly a great Lark,
Who always returns to his high tree..."
BJY (Apr 15th 2011).
Tree Pipits now up to 5 in Dalton. Resident Chiffchaffs calling eg: (Craig,Craggy and Summer). I had just written in my diary "still no Blackcap near to old summer house" and guess what! the ink had not dried before who should start calling but the Blackcap in question...
Expecting soon the resident Garden Warblers and possibly the Cuckoo!