Clear and blustery Saturday

Out around 9am today. Weather very deceptive as indoors the sky was clear and bright, whilst once outside the wind had a cold bite to it. Wandered along the ridge to the east of the Ash valley. Birding was very slow to start with as the wind kept most small birds in the hedgerows. Several lesser black backed, herring and black headed gulls wandered northwards up the valley whilst skylarks sang over the field bean field. At this moment a large flock of golden plovers flew over, before settling in the field. A rough count showed that there were in excess of 300. Could be the Allens Green group, or just a migratory party heading north. They were still on the ground as I left them. A hare jogged across the same field as I headed to Bush Wood. Here I photographed what I presume to be Sweet violet (viola odorata). The small pond was full after last nights downpour. I continued southwards to Winding Hill, registering a male kestrel at close quarters by the River Ash. Greenfinches wheezed in the hedgerow and a moorhen took cover as I passed.
Yellowhammers called from the bushes and over 2000 wood pigeons were registered in trees along the river bank. Usual suspects of tits and finches were also recorded, along with flyovers of pied wagtail and stock dove. In all 27 sp for the short walk. First photo of Sweet violet whilst the second is the view looking north up the River Ash from near Winding Hill, Much Hadham.