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Mobbing

An interesting day today with several instances of birds being mobbed. First I saw a spat between a crow and a black headed gull having a spat. It seemed a pretty even match with both being agressive.

Later on I was watching three kites circling low over a field. I was hoping for a good look at one on the ground but no luck, however as I was watching I heard a buzzard mew behind me. It came over and the kites flew towards it causing it to veer away. I was struck by the size difference never having seen the two species in such a close juxtaposition before. The kites returned to the field only to be taken on by a single crow.

Walking on I soon heard the buzzard again behind a hedge and when I reached a gap I saw the three kites mobbing it until it flew away. Turning round I saw another four on the other side of the valley. That is the most that I have seen at one time on this size of Chesham.

Other than that there wasn't much of note, the redwings and long tailed tits both seem to have moved on and there was a distinct lack of birdsong. I did see a pair of jays in Bottom Lane, its striking the way that they will fly under the canopy.

At home the refilled feeders attracted a single, rather nervous, robin to sample the fat bar.

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