Some Signs of Migration

Getting up this morning I was immediately conscious of more bird activity in the garden than of late.  Small groups of birds were moving through the shrubs.  At first I could only see residents like House Sparrows, Sardinian Warblers and Cirl Buntings but after a while Blackcaps began to appear in good numbers.  A Common Redstart and a couple of Chiffchaffs followed and then a more obvious Pied Flycatcher.

Pied Flycatcher

Then after a while a winter visitor came into view - a splendid Robin only normally present here between September and April.  We then went to our neighbours John and Hanne for coffee and much the same in their garden with lots of Blackcaps a few Black Redstarts and a Pied Flycatcher.

Red-rumped Swallows

Also this morning I heard the unmistakable call of one of our favourite birds here.  Suddenly four Red-rumped Swallows appeared overhead with a single Barn Swallow and House Martin. They stayed around for at least half an hour giving wonderful views.