The Somme!

 Earlier this week I joined AJG and Jacques on a day trip tho the Somme, the weather wasn't brilliant but we still had a great time with lots of birds, though overall numbers appear to be lower than usual.
At our first stop at Bonnelle Turtle Doves were purring and Song Thrushes were singing as we got out the car, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap  & Garden Warbler were also singing, as were Sedge, Reed, and Cetti's Warbler. As we walked the track a Marsh Harrier chased off a Hen Harrier, then  AJG spotted a gorgeous male Red-backed Shrike flying in and landing fairly close, at the same time we spotted the first of 6 Bluethroats we found at this site. Further along we found Stonechat, White Stork, Great White Egret, Avocet, Black-winged Stilts, Greenshank, more Turtle Doves and Warblers and another Red-backed Shrike that was being mobbed by 2 Bluethroats. Nearby lovely male Black Redstart in the usual garden, 2+ Marsh Warblers were singing from the roadside Sallows and Nettles.

Red-backed Shrike

Distant Bluethroat 

Red-backed Shrike being mobbed by 2 just about visible Bluethroats

 Black-winged Stilts

Honey Buzzard

En route to a site near St Valery we spotted a large raptor which turned out to be a Honey Buzzard that obligingly flew over head. There we found more Black-winged Stilts, Channel Wagtails, more Egrets and Storks, several Spoonbills flew through and best of all though very distant a Purple Heron.

At another nearby site there was more of the same, also a Savi's Warbler and a showy Garganey.

By the time we got into Crecy forest it was raining, even so we managed to locate 2 singing Melodious Warblers and another Marsh Warbler. From a view point over looking Crecy forest a large raptor appeared distantly, as it got nearer we could see it was a Black Kite, an excellent way to end a brilliant day out in great company, many thanks to AJG for doing the driving.

Garganey

 White Stork

An elusive Marsh Warbler