A mega walk yesterday did not produce anything new, but if anybody wants to see Redwings near town, then Cuckoo Grove is a good bet. There have been a few in the woods or in the fields by the solar farm on previous visits. Yesterday there were at least 80 in three separate groups visible at one time and probably more in trees further away. A Sparrowhawk was on the edge of the wood - probably no coincidence. At the top of the lane a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming on the highest exposed ash tree, despite it being only 1 degree and above any shelter.
On returning home just before sunset there were eight Red Kites hanging in the wind above Pelcomb valley and over Cashfield Estate before circling slowly and drifting towards Slade Lane, presumably roosting somewhere in the neighbourhood. There have been at least two and sometimes three or four througout the winter around Pelcomb valley. Two of them look like an established pair, often close together in ash trees and taking turns to feed on a sheep's carcass. I have yet to see any courtship or signs of nest building. The picture shows six dots, which I think are some of the kites, but there were a couple of crows and a buzzard around as well.
