To get to our council recycling facility I have to drive past the local racetrack. It's a chore I don't mind as I usually pause by the Downs to take some photos. On race days they stop the traffic each time a race is due, which is always a good excuse to linger. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I decided to park up and watch one of the races. Happily I had the long lens and monopod in the car, and followed the TV crew to a decent vantage point. While waiting for the race I spotted a cock linnet, my first of the year.<\/p>\n
In fact this was going to be a birding post, as the last couple of days have had some excellent sightings, including a noisy wren<\/a> which appears to have taken up residence in the garden. You'll need to check out the April Birds<\/a> album for a small selection from the weekend. But now for the horses.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.permuted.org.uk\/photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/04\/linnet_2704085306_b.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOn the way to the start<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nAnd they're off!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\nTightly grouped as they jockey for position<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n