Test Valley birding, 19th Feb

Pic: Corn Bunting, Huawei mate 10 / Swarovski atx95 at 70x!

Haven't had much enthusiasm recently, February can be a quiet birding month in the UK.

Did, however, manage to get up reasonably early for a walk around farmland in the Northern Test Valley. The area can be good for Raptors in the winter. In the past I have recorded Long-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, and Peregrine. A White-tailed Eagle spent a winter nearby a few years back.

This morning had more of a Spring feel. No Lapwings or Golden Plover, but plenty of Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting in full song against a background of Skylarks. A Merlin was the highlight zipping past, plus a Red Kite.

Called in at a sewage works on the way home. Again, this fairly small area has been kind to me previously, with a Water Pipit, and likely Siberian Chiffchaff in the past. Unfortunately you have to deviate off the footpath to see the best bits which never goes down well in these parts.

However, I didn't get seen! And in the sunshine was a decent group of ChiffChaffs, all catching flies. Probably double figures, all collybitta, as far as I could tell. Also Grey Wagtail and Goldcrest.

Returned home fully motivated!