This morning the Great Grey Shrike was perched on its usual hedge watching the world wake up around it.  As I stood and watched, the hedgerows and weedy field soon became alive with the sound and sight of Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Linnets, Skylarks, Tree Sparrows and several Corn Buntings. These birds were literally flying in from all directions which in turn proved to be a magnet for a super male Merlin who gave them all a fright. 
The regular Barn Owl also put in an appearance and this was all before breakfast !!
Early afternoon I visited the dam/ pintail bay area at Pitsford Reservoir. By this time the weather was stunning, blue skies and sunshine and warm enough to ditch the fleece and gloves. There was a surprisingly large amount of insect life about.   On the water there were 3 drake and 1 female Red Crested Pochard and a Great Northern Diver.
Late afternoon I returned to the valley where the Great Grey Shrike had moved further around the fields but at dusk it had returned to its favourite hedge.  The Barn Owl put in an appearance again and there was a noticable increase in the number of Skylarks present.

Regards Eleanor