A Merlin at Wallington Road

 29th September 2020

Wallington Road which runs from the town of Baldock to the village of Wallington is one of the hot spots for birds of prey in Hertfordshire. Throughout the seasons you can see Buzzards, Red Kites, Marsh and Hen Harriers, Sparrowhawks. Kestrels, Peregrines, Hobby, Merlins and both Barn and Short-eared owls. Even a Montagu's Harrier has put in an appearance on occasions. Merlins have been a bit more scarce over the last couple of winters, but this year one bird appears to have taken up residence on the range of hills that stretches from Baldock to Royston and is frequently being seen along the Wallington Road.

The area is fairly poor in terms of bird diversity, but it is certainly a case of quality over quantity. One of the first flock of birds to appear was a covey of Grey Partridges which can be very scarce in other parts of the county but seem to be doing well in the north of the county. This appeared to be a family party comprising two adults and four juveniles.

At this time of year you can expect to see passerines such as Corn Buntings, Meadow Pipits, Sky Larks and Linnets but today there were exceptional numbers particularly Meadow Pipits and Sky Larks. The numbers of Corn Buntings were lower than usual but they were probably concentrated elsewhere. By way of consolation there were two Wheatears by the field gate which provided a few shots as the sun came out.

For once the Meadow Pipits were a little more cooperative probably helped by the sheer numbers............

..................and it would appear that 3pm is bath time!!

So what about the Merlin? Well it did put in an appearance but unfortunately earlier on when there was dense dark cloud and a lot of gloom, not helped by the fact it chose to sit in a field several hundred yards away. However, it does come closer on occasions so I'll be back!!