Therfield Heath

A wander around Therfield Heath yesterday morning was most productive. After a mile walk, where I recorded no more than robin, wood pigeon and carrion crow, I came to the Icknield Way. From a vantage point across a field I observed the over wintering great grey shrike. After only a matter of seconds it was flushed by a farm vehicle and flew directly overhead. Whilst trying to find it again I noticed a kestrel put up a 200+ flock of linnets which were immediately attacked by a swift merlin. Excellent to see. Another flock of linnets, + chaffinch and bullfinch were noted, this one at least 750 strong. Very mobile, so difficult to go through to check for corn bunting, brambling and yellowhammer. Photos show just some of this flock. I plan to return with scope for a more complete check of the area. The heath can be found just south west of Royston, with the GGS in and around TL348396. Seems, as usual for this species, prefer the uppermost branches of the hedge, so not too difficult to find if it is present.
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