Dotterel. Gringley Carr. A 'trip' of six birds located in the middle of a Pea field. They could be quite elusive, dropping down into furrows out of sight for some time. Some distance away their white faces were conspicuous.This sketch was completed in the afternoon with the sun behind me as an earlier attempt was less successful with sun directly in front and heat-haze. Also in this field were Golden Plover and Stock Doves. Lots of Hares about too.

Morning sketch

Gringley Carr. Part of the Pea field and drainage dyke. This area was teaming with wildlife.

Crossbill. Budby heath. A quick detour to Budby heath in the hope of seeing Cuckoo or Woodlark. Walking up the track I noticed a few small birds fly up from a pool in the path. A group of Common Crossbills perched in the small trees by the pool and waited to come down to drink. The pool was a magnet to small birds and I had close views of Crossbills, Tree Pipit, Redpoll and Siskin as well as Chaffinches and yellowhammers. This must be the nearest and only source of water for these birds. I managed to hear both Cuckoo and Woodlark.

 

A young male Crossbill waiting to come down for a drink. Though they were cautious about coming to drink they sat in the trees for ages unconcerned even when a group of brightly clothed bank holiday walkers trouped passed.

Adult male Crossbill.

Quick sketches of Tree Pipits 'parachuting' display. Lovely to watch they make a plaintive pew-pew-pew as they descend.

Redpoll. Came to drink at the pool as I stood a few feet away.