Walking up from Martin’s Haven to Trehill today, we passed a field on the south side of the road, about 300m before the brow of the hill. The field still has a standing crop intended to improve the ground for potatoes - it has small black “fruits”, and remarkably spiny leaves/stems!
This crop has been planted at Trehill before, and it is incredibly attractive to birds - we remember Steve Sutcliffe ringing over one hundred Reed Buntings one morning!
Today the crop had Wrens, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and, showing incredibly well, a Yellow-browed Warbler! Not calling, but wonderful views in the sun.
Later, over Martin’s Haven, a Merlin being mobbed ineffectually by a crow. And 2-3 Siskins over from the west.