5/5/20 Wharncliffe Chase (south)

A dry morning with a cold wind biting most of the time. Many species are now seen at different stages of breeding from nest building to defending territory through to gathering food. 

A Lapwing pair defended a presumed nest site from a crow and was amongst 5 seen. Hopefully more are breeding. Stonechats are doing really well and 3 pairs were seen in relatively close proximity, one pair were both carrying food. We estimate up to 6 pairs are breeding. 

Tree Pipits have really arrived with 5 singing and one seen carrying nest material. There are certainly more around. A Raven pair were both carrying food and were harried by a Curlew pair. There were plenty of Linnets, Goldfinch, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits around.

2 House Martins (very few around) flew over east as did a single Swift. Still plenty of Wheatears around (8) plus Cuckoo, Buzzard, Grey Heron over, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Swallow and a Garden Warbler.