Tree Pipit

After the wintry weather of the last few days this morning looked a bit better. All the usual birds were singing on the meadows, with a Blackcap in the central hedge. I noticed some fritillaries growing near the pond. I am not a plant expert but I do know that fritilaries are now very rare. I am assuming that they have been planted and are not truly wild native plants. They are beginning to fade now so I will try and get some photos before they are gone.
The other big surprise this morning was a Tree Pipit on the meadows. Tree Pipits are summer visitors to Britain and breed mostly in heathland type habitats such as Cannock Chase. The one I saw was on passage and has probably already left to continue its journey. Even so its still a really good record for the meadows.

Afternoon Update

After speaking to Malcolm and Glenys I have found that the Snake's-head Fritillaries were planted some time ago. They obviously like the conditions where they are and it may be a good area to plant more as they are beautiful plants and seem to be only truly wild to the south of our area.

Snake's-head Fritillary