The birds are arriving for the summer

Out and about looking for birds again it was the first day of the year that we saw Swallows - 2 flew across the road heading NW with great purpose so not staying with us.

Then off to Crowden in Longdendale this morning and we saw more 'newly arrived from Africa' birds. Blackcap in the car park; Willow Warbler in Brockholes Wood and then these masked bandits, Wheatear or Wheet'r as pronounced locally.

They are birds of great character and we were excited to see them in exactly the place I predicted. Great to see them back as they seemed to be missing from this spot last year.