We had ideal weather today for a trip to one of our regular reserves – Old Moor RSPB near Barnsley. In the bird garden the usual selection of finches was supplemented by reed buntings, tree sparrows, a female blackcap and this striking yellowhammer. Later these were seen off by a sparrowhawk.

Walking around the reserve chiffchaffs were heard and seen – even  mating(!). There rumours of lesser whitethroat and more blackcaps but no sightings.  This is one of  several willow warblers we saw and heard.

The willow warbler is almost indistinguishable from the chiffchaff except by its song.