Dawn Chorus walk

7 hardy souls joined me for a 5.30 a.m. meet in the village for a wander east over the polo fields and south towards Much Hadham. Regular songsters started on cue at 5.45 with wren, dunnock, song thrush, chaffinch and blackbird being heard in the dark. As we headed up the hill towards the polo fields both blue and great tit were added as well as the first of many yellowhammers. In total 5 chiffchaffs were heard and another new bird for my year list, a garden warbler. Common buzzard soared over Ash Valley whilst at Acremans a flock of 200+ fieldfares and redwings. Finally, a good finish with a 50 strong party of linnet were observed on the Ridge footpath.
Several plants were noted in flower, with bluebell, ground ivy being expected. However, early clumps of cowslips in Ford Hill were a surprise and after a brief search, the resident coltsfoot was found in its usual place. A wonderful start to the day. Photos depict the glorious sunrise over Millfield Lane just after 6am.