Powderham Marshes

Walked in from behind the Swan's Nest eating and drinking establishment, (its not really a pub). The crops sown for bird feed are just becoming attractive and mid way onto the reserve I was greeted by a flock of about 300 small birds rising from the fields and settling, for only a few minutes, on the hedges. I was surprised to see that the majority were green finches. I could only find c20 linnets and a few reed buntings. All the rest were green finches - very impressive. They were nervous due in part to the presence of a peregrine (juv) and kestrel.

no birds in the photo but lots of food

Also recorded were skylarks (overhead and hidden on the ground), meadow pipits (7), blackcaps (2), chiffchaffs (2), one stone chat and one very noisy green sandpiper.