Fields behind the RSSKL, Broadfield Farm (18th March)

• cloud 2-3/3
• wind 1/3
• temp. 0-1/3

BROADFIELD FARM

I decide to spend the rest of the weekend on the local patch and brought Theo behind the RSSKL for another walk.  This time, however, I had the intention to first revisit Broadfield Farm to check out the line of old oak trees for Little Owls as my previous attempt produced none.  The first birds of note included a calling Green Woodpecker and 18+ Pied Wagtails on stubble fields.  As I approached the farm, I noticed a pipit-like bird perched briefly on a fence post.  This would have been an unusual record in itself, as Meadow Pipits tend not to approach fields neighbouring to closely to the A4251 road but are more often found in the arable fields further west.  However, as I approached closer I was astonished to see that it was infact a ♀ BLACK REDSTART (a first for my local patch)!!  It remained in the general area for some time, favouring the fenceline around the small pond in the ditch but did on occasions disappear for several minutes in the numberous surrounding farm buildings.

female Black Redstart

 perched on a pile of weeds at the edge of the pond

 showing a little of her striking red tail

 
Also in the same area was 1 Fieldfare, a single Lapwing mobbing a Carrion Crow just south of Broadfield Farm and a Yellowhammer was also heard.

LOVE LANE

Another Theo walk at about 22:00pm for a final evening walk around the Kings Langley Common.  It was a very clear and starry night so I assume the Black Redstart will move of tonight leaving little point in checking the following morning.  Once again the resident Red Fox made an appearance on the Common before standing in the middle of the Love Lane road and heading into Hill Farm.