Three Masts

I was interested to see this three master passing in the week. I didn't have my 'scope with me and I wasn't able to make out her name, she was quite away out. It would have been nice to see her in full sail, but the crew seemed quite content to motor north.

Birds today There was an obvious increase in Warblers near the monument, with a large number of Chiffchaffs in the area. At least three Willow Warblers were still around, each singing its liquid song quietly. I'm not sure why they sing at this time of year, they are not breeding and don't have territories, perhaps it's young birds practicing? Blackcaps, Common Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats made up the bulk of the others, with the Garden Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler being seen. A Common Redstart and a Firecrest where present in the paddock and about nine Wheatears were feeding in the ploughed fields.

Other Wildlife I saw one Small Copper Butterfly, and a few Red Admirals and a Painted Lady were around. Several Migrant Hawkers were patrolling the edge of the Farm Wood and I was pleased to have a Dark Bush-cricket pointed out to me, although I was disappointed to mess up the photo I tried to take, I'll have to re-visit that one!