Where did I put my gloves

This post covers the last six days covering the whole of the valley. All visits have been early morning when the frost has been in the ground. Generally the northerly winds have held up migration
Star bird was a female redstart found on Saturday which promptly disappeared into the blackthorn on northwest corner of the barley field never to be seen again. This was rivalled by a whinchat found by lord Angus at wightwick fields.
Mallard, having seen a typically large early yr brood just outside the valley it was surprising our first, at castle croft, was a single 2 day old chick. Had others been predated.
Tree creeper, Sunday on old railway by paddocks.
Willow warbler, songsters on Sunday at metal bridge and smestow heights
Blackcap seemingly a further arrival with several singing birds above Compton lock. Whereas as the paddock birds, also in good numbers.
Whitethroat, 2 on Saturday 3 Sunday both midsection 1 each of the other days including at lupin field which was the only one to give a sense of staying.
Swallow 2 over aldersly orchard flying north on weds.
Mistle thrush, having seen none all week 5 were well spread out ground feeding in the midsection today when long tails and bullfinch were also visually prominent.