A Spring Visit to Ivinghoe Beacon

14th April 2026

A beautiful Spring day so time to explore the hills around Ivinghoe Beacon. The first area to view was the slope below the car park where a Dark-edged Bee-fly was sunning itself on the warm ground.

On the bird front there were many of the usual suspects including singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

Also a single Whitethroat, my first of the year.

One surprise was this male Yellowhammer which I can't recall seeing on this slope before, but I am sure they must be there as the habitat is perfect for them.

Now down at the bottom of the slope and the start of the climb up to Galley Hill. The first birds to appear were a pair of Meadow Pipits which were already in song flight with their amazing parachuting routine.

And not far away a pair of Sky Larks which quite often sing from the ground................

.....................although never as inspiring as their song flight.

Now on top of the ridge and the far side of the slope is covered with small Hawthorn bushes which are home to several pairs of Linnets, with the males looking stunning with their rosy breasts.

And also a Willow Warbler, a relatively scarce bird these days, singing from the top of one of the Hawthorns.

At that moment there was a loud "kronk" overhead as a couple of Ravens flew over, one of which was in wing moult.

Now back on the flat in the area around the sheep pens and a male Stonechat sat up on a bare twig. The female kept her distance.

But the stars of the show today were the 15+ Wheatears in the area.

Some were fairly confiding, but there were also a couple of posers who had done all this before.

Nearly got this one in!!!!

Well what a fantastic morning and I'm sure another visit will be on the cards.