Lion Creek, Essex

On Saturday morning we set off early for a trip to Lion Creek, an arable farmland and meadow with a creek running through it just off the River Crouch and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. The hope was to reacquaint ourselves with some of our favourite farmland species and maybe catch a glimpse of a Hen Harrier (a lifer for both of us). Alas, there was no Hen Harrier to be seen but, sure enough, the Yellowhammers were showing in the same spot as Matt's last visit. In fact we saw about seven of them during our stay including a youngen and much singing and displaying. We presumed the adult male shaking his wings with a fly in his beak was displaying anyway. Perhaps it was trying to gain the attention of its offspring? Other highlights included a couple of Yellow Wagtails (below), two Turtle Doves, a Hobby and a singing Corn Bunting.