Saturday 22nd June 2024, Nightjars on Chobham Common by Stephen Waters

15 members turned up at the Monument Car Park at Chobham Common at 8.45pm, ready for a Nightjar walk. After a bit of a wait, we began to hear the purr of Nightjars followed by the high pitched call with a flight over our heads. The Nightjars seemed less keen to fly on this evening than on other visits the society has made. However, a few of the group did hear and see Woodcock. We enjoyed a wonderful sunset, spoilt a little by the noise of regular aeroplanes. Thanks to all those who came out on this night.

 

Friday 14th June to Sunday 16th June 2024 Hickling Broad, by John Barkham

This was a weekend trip to Norfolk and Suffolk where we dodged showers, saw Swallowtail butterflies, a Stone Curlews chick, juvenile Common Crane and explored a stunning new nature reserve home to the rare Norfolk Hawker dragonfly.
Our group of 6 met on the Friday evening at the Acle Bridge Inn, a riverside pub for a hearty meal. Rebecca travelled to Norfolk via WWT Welney and viewed 2 Garganey. Lynda and Rosemary visited Wheeting Heath seeing 6 Stone Curlew and then journeyed on to the reed-beds and wet meadows of RSPB Strumpshaw Fen. Robert, Steve and John went to RSPB Lakenheath where several Bitterns and Cuckoos were seen and 10 Hobbies were hawking for dragonflies.
On the Saturday we drove to Hickling Broad and Marshes, located in the more remote north-east corner of the Norfolk Broads. As we walked to the boat jetty, 2 Swallowtail butterflies were spotted darting along the footpath and occasionally coming to rest. The sun shone for our 2-hour boat trip and we saw Bittern in flight on 3 occasions. Our guide told us each one was a feeding flight, with the female Bittern leaving the nest to find food before returning to feed her chicks. Hickling Broad also holds a dozen pairs of Marsh Harriers and several where seen hunting during our day on the Reserve. As our electric-powered boat made its way along a narrow channel between the reeds, an Otter was briefly sighted by a fortunate few. A stop at an isolated hide added close views of 2 juvenile Bearded Tits. We later climbed Tower Hide to enjoy a tree-top panorama over the main broad and to Horsey Mere beyond, adding Spoonbill to our list.
The afternoon bought several short showers interspersed with periods of bright sunshine as we explored the Reserve. Rebecca and John braved a rain shower at Stubbs Mill to spot the heads of 2 Common Cranes and a much shorter juvenile Crane. Steve and Robert joined us later and we spent a pleasant hour at the viewpoint in the evening sunshine observing the Crane family. Also seen were Yellowhammers, Linnet and Stonechat, more sightings of Marsh Harriers as well as Great and Little Egrets. A second riverside pub meal rounded of the day, this time at the Ferry Inn in Stokesby.
We relocated to Suffolk on the Sunday and visited RSPB Minsmere. It was another day of sunshine and showers. The scrapes were full of gulls and terns; Common, Sandwich, and Little Terns were seen. Rebecca also spotted 2 Little Gulls and we added Common Sandpiper, Avocet, Little Ring Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Kittiwake and Oystercatcher. From the beach we noted a new artificial nesting structure designed to accommodate up to 500 Kittiwakes, donated in ‘compensation’ by an offshore wind farm.
After a late lunch at the Visitor Centre café we ventured out again to take in Bittern Hide, where inevitably we saw 2 Bitterns walking right in front of the hide. At Island Mere Hide we enjoyed close views Bearded Tit and Hobby. We later drove to another part of the Reserve where we viewed 2 adult Stone Curlew. A newly hatch Stone Curlew was revealed when one of the resting birds raised its wing and the chick proceeded to walk between the adults taking food. A short drive to Westleton Heath and a walk past a very vocal Lesser Whitethroat gave us more scope views of 2 Stone Curlews at rest, presumably on eggs.
The evening meal was at the Harvester Restaurant, next door to our new hotel in Lowestoft. The sun shone all day for us on the Monday, our last day. We had a short 10 minute car journey to SWT Carlton Marshes, a new venue for all of us. Carlton Marshes has 1,000 acres of floodplain marsh and lowland fen, plus an impressive Visitor Centre. We walked the permissive footpaths thorough the flower studded marshes, drained by a system of dykes and grazed by cattle. By the side of the path a young Sedge Warbler was demanding food from attending adults. Reed and Cetti’s Warblers were singing, a Cuckoo was calling and Bittern boomed from the reed beds. Peto’s Marsh had breeding Lapwing and Redshank and a dashing Kingfisher. Swifts, Sand Martin, Marsh Harrier and Hobby were seen in flight. The dykes held several species of dragonfly and we attempted to identify our sightings and improve our knowledge of dragonfly and damselflies, helped by the Reserve staff and other visitors. Most impressive was the Norfolk Hawker, a rare and localised dragonfly. We learnt the difference between Black-tailed Skimmer and the similar Scare Chaser, both of which were seen. We also identified Broad-bodied Chaser and Four-spotted Chaser. We saw Banded Demoiselle, and careful examination of our photographs after the event revealed that we had seen four species of blue damselfly, namely Common Blue, Azure, Variable and Blue-tailed Damselflies.
By mid-afternoon the journey home beckoned and we ended our enjoyable and successful trip with a cream tea in the Visitor Centre café. In all 85 bird species were recorded.

 

Thursday (morning) 6th June 2024 Farnham Heath RSPB by Thelma Caine

Six members joined me for this morning walk. Our first bird of note was a Buzzard being mobbed by Crows. In the conifer wood beyond the car park, Goldfinches and Coal Tits were enjoying the seed feeders and songsters in the surrounding trees included. Chaffinch, Robin, Chiffchaff and Blue Tit.
As we progressed through the wood, we soon heard our first Redstarts, Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler and Blackcap.
We followed the orange route initially, finding a Whitethroat in the hedgerow and getting a good view of a Willow Warbler singing from a birch above the path. Further on, we located a family of Stonechats on the heath. Several of the party also manged to get a brief glimpse of our first Dartford Warbler here too. We then followed the green route, and in a stand of tall conifers, had our first sighting of a male Redstart singing from the top of a pine tree and further along, had great views of both a singing Garden Warbler and a Chiffchaff as well as family party of Great Tits. Several of the group also saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker along the route.
Crossing the main sandy path, we made our way on to a wider expanse of heath favoured by Tree Pipit, and within minutes, located a singing male on top of a conifer. We watched this bird for some time, singing from its perch, then rising in song flight and parachuting to the ground. Further along, also at the top of a tree we had an excellent view of a Woodlark which gave a short burst of song before flying down to the lower end of the heath, where we relocated it later.
During a short coffee stop, we spotted a Red Kite and another Buzzard, then a Roe Deer appeared from a stand of conifers before running off across the heather. We made our way down a sandy track scanning the heath on either side and finding more Stonechats including another family group. As Dartford Warblers often accompany Stonechats, we spent some minutes looking for them and were rewarded with several views of Dartfords including a bird which showed well at the top of small tree. As we continued down the track, a Kestrel was located, searching for prey from a vantage point.
After passing an unusual sculpture depicting three ornamented seed heads, we relocated the Woodlark at the top of a birch tree. Crossing back over the main sandy path, our return route took us along a high track which gave good views across the heath. A family of Long-tailed Tits flitted through the foliage at the edge of the wood and more Stonechats were seen on the heath as well as a colourful male Linnet. As we headed back, Coal Tits and Goldcrests were active in the tree canopy and in the conifer stand and surrounding oaks, before reaching the car park, we added Nuthatches and a singing Treecreeper to the list, bringing the morning’s total to 34 species.

 

Sunday (morning) 2nd June 2024, Horton Country Park by Thelma Caine

Our group of nine enjoyed a sunny morning. Along the first path, a Collared Dove was perched on the entry gate and we soon heard Wren and Robin, the first of many during the morning, and several Goldfinches sang from the hedgerow. At the end of the first path, we took a left turn, where reeds were growing in a damp patch. A Reed Warbler was heard singing, and a Chiffchaff was seen and heard in the trees overhead. Blackcaps were also singing along the path but difficult to spot in the foliage. We took a detour out of the park on to the nearby estate to view the water tower where Peregrines were once again breeding on the upper window ledge. Viewing from the cover of conifer trees, we watched both of the parents and their three fluffy young. Also on the estate, a Chaffinch was singing and a Green Woodpecker flew up from the ground and landed low down on a nearby tree, then flew back, and fed on the ground a short distance in front of us. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling here too and was later seen feeding a youngster. As we returned along the path by the patch of reeds, a female Reed Bunting landed on a low bush, then a Buzzard flew up from behind the trees and circled briefly. As we entered a field, approaching Field Pond, we had good views of a Whitethroat singing from a bush top and flying up in song flight. Another was singing further along, and a Lesser Whitethroat was heard briefly but remained in cover. In the field beyond, a Mistle Thrush flew across and another was seen perched on a fence in one of the horse fields, towards the end of the walk. Just beyond Field Pond, a Red Kite flew up, circling in a clearing above the trees. As we took a path around the edge of a field and headed towards Park Farm, we were delighted to see a Hobby which flashed across in front of us hunting for aerial insects, showing its scythe-like grey wings and dark capped head. A Skylark was heard singing as we arrived at the edge of Park Farm and a pair of Kestrels were spotted, perched on the lower struts of a nearby Pylon, before taking off and hunting over the field. A Stock Dove flew by as we continued along the edge of the field, showing the typical dark border to its bluish-grey wings. Returning to the main path, Whitethroats, Dunnock and a Greenfinch were singing in the hedgerow and we manged to glimpse one of the many singing Blackcaps in the tree canopy. We took a short path through the wood at Castle Hill, where Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Stock Dove were all heard, and families of Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits were flitting through the foliage. After a short coffee stop, we headed up past the golf course where a Song Thrush was heard singing. Our return route took us past the Orchard where we heard the song of a Garden Warbler in the thick scrub and another by Orchard Pond, as well as more Blackcaps. Also active round the pond were several Jays. At the Equestrian Centre, nesting House Sparrows were flying up under the roof and a several Swallows and Starlings flew to and fro, collecting food. Another Buzzard appeared, circling over the trees above the path as we neared the car park, and by the end of the walk, we had seen and heard 40 species.

 

Sunday 19th May 2024, Knepp Estate, by John Barkham

13 members met at the new Wilding Kitchen, Restaurant and Shop on the Knepp Estate in West Sussex for a walk through the ‘rewilded’ landscape of grassland, scrub and wood. The muddy footpaths and flooded fields had largely dried out and we enjoyed sunshine and warm temperatures for our walk.
We started at a new viewpoint overlooking part of the vast estate and counted the White Stork nests. There were six nests in total, although we later came across many more. Continuing on, Rebecca spotted a Yellowhammer and we all had good views of a bright yellow-headed male as it sang from a high bush. We heard Nightingales at several points during our walk, but all remained tantalising concealed in the dense scrub. A male Cuckoo was also heard, and we climbed up one of the tree platforms to see the bird perched and then fly to another position to continue its song. In Tory Copse we ‘forest-bathed’ amongst the trees whilst searching for a Treecreeper, which was initially heard calling and eventually located by Steve. Every now and then the air was pierced by a joyful sound of bill-clattering as the Storks greeted each other on a nest. Common and Lesser Whitethroat as well as Linnet and Blackcap were sighted or heard and several Common Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel and a lone Hobby were seen. However, we were unsuccessful with connecting with Turtle Dove found 2 days earlier on a reconnaissance visit.
Continuing our walk, we came across a pair of free-roaming pigs, including a young piglet, which were foraging in a stream. Hammer Pond provided sustained views of a Kingfisher as it hunted for fish and there was a Great-crested Grebe nest on a Lilypad. Swift and Swallows flew overhead, plus of course several White Stork looking majestic in the afternoon sun. Beautiful Demoiselle were observed on the ponds, as well as a Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly. Completing our circular walk, we enjoyed coffee and cake at the Wilding Kitchen and Restaurant. In all a largely successful but enjoyable day in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

 

Tuesday 9th May 2024, Beddington Farmlands, by Andy Harding

Firstly our thanks to Charlie Owens, the Warden, who gave up his time to take us all round this fascinating urban reserve in the heart of Croydon / Hackbridge. His insight into the reserve was invaluable and it was great to have him with us to answer the many questions everyone had.
Some of the group met earlier than the official 9.30 meet and walked the perimeter path, meeting in the South Lake public hide. Lots of bird activity there with the highlight being a very obliging Lesser Whitethroat directly in front of us. The breeding Grey Herons were in heard and seen together with Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and a Great Crested Grebe. Birdsong was in evidence a wren competing with warblers taking centre stage with Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Reed Warbler all singing.
Meeting Charlie and the Group at the Mile Road Gate, we headed north around North Lake and towards Phase I, the Wet Grasslands. Plenty to see on North Lake with a good number of Sand Martins exploring the man-made nesting bank, which was a great sight. Another Great Crested Grebe, a pair of Little Grebes together with a Lapwing and the usual wildfowl were seen as we got to the vantage point over Phase I. Lots to see here with up to 4 Little Ringed Plovers and a Common Sandpiper showing well and everyone getting excellent views. As we continued to scan this wetland, two waders flew in and within a moment we had the realization that we watching a pair of adult Wood Sandpipers. Fantastic views and a real find on the reserve, as an uncommon migrant.
Making our way along the drainage channel we had a beautifully coloured Grey Wagtail on the fence line, but sadly no Wheatear or Stonechat which are usually here at this time of year. Over the Mound, where the sound of singing Skylarks filled the air, to Phase III – another scrape and wetland habitat. Two further Little Ringed Plovers were found, but no other waders were present.
Walking along the boundary of the Reserve and Beddington Park, we had a very close singing Sedge Warbler which rounded off an excellent morning’s birding, seeing 54 species.

 

Wednesday 1st May 2024, Pulborough Brooks by Mike White

Whilst waiting for the centre to open we scanned the South Brooks from the tea terrace, picking out all the usual suspects in the form of Canada, Greylag and Egyptian Geese also Mute Swans. The resident House Sparrows were cheerfully chirping away and then a Nightingale started singing away to our right towards the zig-zag path, and further in the background a Cuckoo called. The cuckoo sound was to taunt us all day long, sometimes close at other times further away, but try as we might we never did see the actual bird or birds responsible.
Emerging from the visitor centre we were greeted by the scratchy song of a Whitethroat and as we approached the top of the zig-zag path this was joined by Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Blackcap and then a Nightingale burst into song. This encouraged a bird further down the path to also sing and these were then joined by a third bird in the Fattengates Courtyard area. What a wonderful sound. Despite careful observation we never did see any of these birds, but further along the path we did see a pair of Bullfinch, and a Cetti’s Warbler sang. In the courtyard area were the usual Dunnocks, Great Tit and Blue Tit and some of the group saw a Goldcrest.
Leaving the courtyard and turning towards West Mead hide another Nightingale burst into song, this time some of the group got a fleeting view. The water in front of West Mead held Avocet, Shoveler, Gadwall, Redshank, Lapwing, Shelduck, Tufted Duck and many Black-headed Gulls with Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Little Egret in the water meadows beyond. Swallow and Sand Martin were hawking insects and high overhead the first Swifts of the day were seen. Distant raptors proved to be Common Buzzard and these were briefly joined by a Peregrine.
Continuing on towards Winpenny hide a Great White Egret was noted far out on the brooks and a Red Kite flew over. By the new dragonfly pond a Wren perched up giving excellent views and a Sedge Warbler was heard and quickly located perched on top of a bramble, slightly further along a Stonechat was also seen. At this point the Nightingale with a territory just outside Winpenny hide started singing and some of the group got views with many twigs in between.
Lunch was taken in the hide, during which we managed to pick out at least eight Lapwing chicks, little bundles of fluff running about on short stubby legs. Despite searching for the reported Garganey we could not find it until a small duck broke cover from behind one island and flew behind another, then briefly stretched its wings and put its head up. Success, but it was a blink and you missed it moment. A raptor flying directly towards the hide banked slightly and revealed the swept back wings of a Hobby. Leaving the hide we again heard the Nightingale and this time it did the decent thing and perched in the open allowing all the group excellent views.
On towards Hanger viewpoint we were accompanied by song from all the usual warblers and also another Nightingale near Adder Alley. From the viewpoint the North Brooks were quiet, with most of the duck having left for their breeding grounds in the north, but as we arrived a pair of Oystercatcher took flight. We continued on and from the viewpoint above Netleys hide located a Little Ringed Plover on one of the islands. From Netleys we saw further Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Gadwall and after much scanning found the only three Teal of the day. A Sedge Warbler was searching for insects in the ditch just outside the windows.
We now had one eye on the sky which was gradually getting darker, (rain was forecast) so headed towards the visitor centre, stopping again along the zig zag to listen to the Nightingales. We were yards from the centre when the first drops started to fall, an excellent day with 67 species seen/heard.

 

Sunday 24th April 2024, Otmoor and Farmoor Reservoir, by Paul Spencer

Seven members and two guests joined me on a cold damp morning at RSPB Otmoor. The weather for the journey down was wet and the score of just 2 Red Kites on the M40 reflected that. Willow Warbler and Bullfinch gave very subdued song and a Green Woodpecker laughed half-heartedly from a nearby wood as wellies and wet weather gear were adorned. The bubbly evocative call of Curlew cheered us up, followed by a Garden Warbler on full throttle delivering its song. A Song Thrush and a Lesser Whitethroat chipped in. It was too cold for the Grasshopper Warblers to start reeling, (4.5 degrees on Rebecca’s dashboard), but we soon had another Garden Warbler and another Lesser Whitethroat and the first of many Sedge Warblers which were vocal along the main path and eventually gave brilliant views. A Snipe was glimpsed twice hassled by a Magpie but a Cuckoo although heard several times remained unseen. The Lapwings were chasing off Red Kites and Buzzards eager for a snack! Mallard, Greylag and Canada Geese were guarding their young too.
Our timing to the main path was impeccably as we got to see three Great White Egrets just before they languidly flew off the wet meadows. We had distant views of a Marsh Harrier which was quartering the reedbeds.
We popped into the wetland watch hide twice, once for lunch, where we had close views of Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting (also seen well on another feeder) and Yellowhammer feeding on seed, the later two species in superb breeding plumage. The meadows were relatively quiet, alas no Cranes to be seen, but we added Oystercatcher and Redshank to the wader list and then an eagle eyed Linda, aided by Rebecca’s scope found a perched Hobby. Swallows and Martins were flying through in smallish numbers fighting the breeze.
From the reedbed screen we saw the Marsh Harrier closer and the Hobby briefly in flight plus two juvenile Grey Herons huddling in the reeds. The weather had calmed down and brightened up a little as a reduced party of five arrived at Farmoor. Initially it looked quiet, a couple of Swifts, a Common Tern on buoy number 7. There were fifteen or more Great Crested Grebes, a stonking summer plumaged Little Grebe, some Cormorants and a few Pied Wagtails. We walked down to the Meadow shrike hide and sat back and enjoyed watching a beautiful tranquil reed bed pond where we had an excellent view of a Cetti’s Warbler, and a pair of Tufted Ducks, the female making a harsh growl as she was being chased by the male. We heard the monotonous chattering of a Reed Warbler and another Lesser Whitethroat.
Coming back up the causeway we had a great view of a female Yellow Wagtail and there were a lot more Swallows, House and Sand Martin and Swifts zooming over the water. As we sat for a cup of tea, one Yellow Wagtail flew over mine and Rebecca’s head ‘’tseeping’’ whilst Geoff went off to photo two more Yellow Wagtails which had landed on the causeway. Finally, we saw two Common Sandpipers in flight. They had probably been in hidden from view on the water’s edge due to boat activity. Well not quite finally as myself and Rebecca could not resist twitching a beautiful Black Tern at Staines Reservoir to round off the day which with several Common Terns was whizzing round the south basin. We also added a Whimbrel, a pair of Shelducks and a small group of Dunlin feeding with Redshanks, as well as two more Yellow Wagtails and a lot more Swifts. 70 species recorded at Otmoor and Farmoor, plus 4 more at Staines Res and 1 on car journey (Geoff had a Great Spotted Woodpecker).

 

Wednesday 17th April 2024, Richmond Park, by Rebecca Dunne

Eleven of us met at Pembroke Lodge then spent 3 hours searching for birds. Despite doing 12,000 steps birds were thin on the ground so in parts it became more of a ramble. It was reassuring to note that other local sites were quiet as well, maybe because the previous cold night had slowed the flow of spring migrants. There was certainly a strong, cold north-westerly wind keeping most birds hidden. Nevertheless, we had some highlights: We had good views of a couple of Willow Warblers in the shelter of Hawthorn Valley and Pen Pond Plantation. We first heard its di-syllabic call, which is hard to distinguish from the Chiffchaff’s more monosyllabic “hweet”. Much peering up in a tree finally produced the bird and it confirmed its identity with a faint, burst of its sweet, musical song, starting high and whistling down the scale. The bird in Pen Pond Plantation sang loudly, close to us and was a delight. More were heard singing distantly in other patches of woodland.
There were Chiffchaffs as well to be carefully distinguished from Willow Warblers when not giving their song. We looked carefully at flicking tails, leg colour and primaries. There were several Common Whitethroats giving their distinctive scratchy song. They’re another migrant which has arrived in the last few days, The first one was very hard to spot, because it was sitting in a Hawthorn tree which was covered in white blossom! The wheezy call of Greenfinch was heard in Hawthorn Valley but only seen by one or two stragglers in the group. Blackcap song added to the spring bird chorus. We watched hovering Kestrels above our heads, one diving to the ground as it hunted. Sand Martins and a couple of Swallows were seen, mainly over Upper Pen Ponds (UPP) but the Swallows were also spotted over the Paddocks next to their nesting site in the stables.
Lynda also saw a Swift shoot overhead in Hawthorn Valley. One Skylark was heard singing from the ground up on the Bog. They’d be more here if it wasn’t for disturbance from dogs and humans. There were three young Grey Herons on one of the nests on Lower Pen Pond Island. They looked very dishevelled, but the oldest bird was slightly less scruffy than its younger siblings. We watched Great Crested Grebes on UPP, one pair displaying by facing each other and giving synchronised head flicks. There was one Herring Gull on UPP island amongst the Black-headed Gulls. It’s been around for weeks and is perhaps waiting for the bonanza of BHG gull chicks which will eventually arrive! A male Reed Bunting was seen in the reeds next to the Causeway between the Pen Ponds. There were two broods of Egyptian Geese goslings. Perhaps not what we want breeding, but their youngsters are quite endearing. Green Woodpeckers were calling but were not seen. They are common in the park feeding on Yellow Meadow Ants from the many distinctive anthills.
Butterflies began to appear once the sun came out. An Orange Tip and Speckled Wood butterflies were seen. Our last species of the morning was a Red Kite which soared overhead as we had coffee back at Pembroke Lodge. Despite the lack of birds, we still had 40 species and a good walk!

 

Sunday 14th April 2024, Dukes Warren, Leith Hill by Andy Harding

Hastily changing venues due to the closure of Needs Ore Reserve on the Solent, a group of 10 had a very enjoyable and productive walk around this beautiful Reserve high up in the Surrey Hills. A fairly warm and bright day added to the enjoyment of finding some excellent Surrey heathland birds. Reaching the Coldharbour Cricket Club, we had our first Woodlark of the day (they featured strongly during our walk, filling the air with their soft, melancholy song, finding 6 birds in total) along with Song Thrush, Magpie and Robin.
Onto the heath, with the magnificent views westward towards Godalming, Hindhead and beyond, with birds in full song including plenty of Willow Warblers, Coal, Blue and Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Robin and Chaffinch. Heading down a path through the low heather we spied a single bird up high in a bare tree, only to reveal itself as a late but resplendent male Brambling. One of the reasons for choosing this walk was the recently reported flock of Crossbills. We had countless flyovers during the morning of family flocks counting about 15 and got some reasonable views. At least one, maybe two, Cuckoos were about and we were fortunate to find one which sat high up in the trees, giving great views for everyone.
Making our way round the circular walk, we had up to 7 Common Buzzards close together above the tree line along with a single Red Kite. As we walked back to the car park something flew up from low down in the bracken, a Woodcock! It only flew a short distance along the path so when it flushed again, we all managed to see it as it flew low and fast through the trees and out of sight.
John suggested we went for a coffee at a local farmshop and then set out to check out Capel Common for singing Nightingale and warblers. The path we walked along was perfect habitat for Nightingale with two of our group getting a few notes from a skulking bird. However we all were very pleased to first hear (and identify the song) and then see the first Garden Warbler of the spring. We also had Sparrowhawk and Green Woodpecker added to our day list which finally totaled 31 species.

 

Sunday 7th April 2024, Bushy Park Guided Bird Walks, by Thelma Caine

This was a dry, bright and enjoyable morning, with the three walks attended by over 50 people including 12 club members as well as families, whose children enjoyed our various quizzes and choosing their prizes.
Triss’s Pond provided good views of Mandarin Ducks as well as Egyptian Geese, Canada Geese, Coot, Moorhen and Mallard. A pair of Coots were already nesting on the pond to the right of the bridge. Here too a Grey Heron was fishing early on. One of the highlights was a nesting pair of Green Woodpeckers which were active all morning at their nest-hole, in a tree just beyond the first bridge. Also active in the tree canopy were Great Spotted Woodpeckers which we heard drumming. Notable among the other woodland species were several singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, two Mistle Thrushes which were high up in the tree-tops, Stock Doves, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit and Coal Tit. Those looking after the reception table spotted both a Red Kite and a Kestrel overhead. As usual, Jackdaws and Ring-necked Parakeets were everywhere. Other birds seen on the walks included Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow.
By the end of the three walks, 29 species had been recorded. Thanks are due to all those who helped with setting up, leading the walks, assisting at the reception desk and packing up at the end, all of whom contributed to a successful morning.

 

Tuesday 19th March, Unstead Wetland Nature Reserve & Cutt Mill Ponds, by Andy Harding

An enjoyable morning for the group of 13 birders who braved fairly inclement weather to visit this very well-managed Reserve at Unstead.
Meeting in the car park and making our way back to the path parallel to the road and the water meadows beyond, we immediately found a lone Common Snipe in amongst the Black-headed Gulls and Coots. Three species of geese were also evident – Canada, Greylag and Egyptian. Great to find a small flock of Siskins feeding avidly along with both Greenfinch and Goldfinch. The first signs of Spring were singing Chiffchaffs and a single male (very elusive) Blackcap further along the path as we reached the hide. Around the feeders were the usual Blue, Great and Longtailed Tits and on the water we found Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Eurasian Teal and a single Tufted Duck. Some managed to find the pair of Little Grebes, which spent most of their time either submerged or within the flooded woodland area bordering the pond.
We walked back past the car park to the new wetland created in partnership with Thames Water, which all agreed was a great new habitat with plenty of potential once the water levels dropped to expose the muddy fringes. However, there were plenty of regular birds to see including Pheasant, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, singing Cetti’s Warbler. Some of the group were also fortunate to see a male Reed Bunting and Grey Wagtail overhead, but all saw both the Red Kite and Common Buzzard high above.
On to Cutt Mill ponds in the hope of the last remaining Goosanders (a Surrey stronghold), Mandarin, and Kingfisher. Sadly none of the target species showed – assuming the Goosanders had left and the inclement weather had deterred the latter two to show. The highlight of the short walk around the ponds was the singing Firecrest immediately heard when we parked up, seen by some albeit high up in the trees. To be honest there was very little to see on the ponds other than Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck and 3 Great Crested Grebes, but Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll were all good to see.
In total (at the two sites) 43 species were seen.

 

Sunday 3rd March 2024, Mark Ash Wood and Acres Down by Peter Knox

Six members arrived in the car park at Mark Ash Wood on a bright sunny morning to the sound of a Nuthatch. We headed down a boggy track towards the bridge over the stream. There were plenty of Chaffinches plus a small number of Siskin and one lone Goldcrest. Nothing out of the ordinary. Once we had arrived at the bridge, we had a good listen but nothing out of the normal sounds could be heard so we headed back to the cars, and we headed for Acres Down. On arrival we found the car park was quite full but did manage to find some spaces. Then headed up to the Down. On route we found a singing Woodlark in the top of a Holly bush which was a nice start. We found a good vantage point to set up our telescopes and started to scan finding a good numbers Common Buzzard and soon after a high-flying Sparrowhawk. One of the other birders on the Down directed us to where he seen distant views of Goshawk. We started to scan the area and after a short while we did find two very distant Goshawks. Better views did soon happen when first a male flew up from the nearby woods followed by a large female and a second male. These birds provide extended flight views at close range. During the rest of the morning, we had good views of Meadow Pipits and Stonechats. After lunch we drop off some of our kit at the cars and started to explore some of the tracks in the forest. Our first success was a very close Redpoll and more Chaffinches. We met another birder along our first track who point us to a tree were a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker had been seen earlier in the day, but we had no success so moved on along the tracks find Coal Tit, Song Thrush as well as Great Tit and Blue Tit. Then our breakthrough happen as we were about head off on the return track. We heard the call of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and some drumming as well. Now we started to try and locate this bird which was a challenge. We narrowed it to a group of trees at which point it moved quickly to another group making it harder to locate. Our luck changed as it flew over our head and along the track to another set of trees and this time, we managed to find it quickly and we all watched it drumming in plain sight. We identified it as a male. It did not stay for too long before it flew further into the forest, and we moved on. As we followed the return track, we heard a Raven and then a Great Spotted Woodpecker getting a brief view of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Then soon afterward Lynda found of Crossbill high in a pine tree. This was followed by a fly-by of three calling Crossbill. A lifer for Lynda. We arrived back at the car park without finding anything new. It had been a good day in nice weather providing quality and not quantity with a species list of thirty-two.

 

Wednesday 28th February 2024, Warnham Local Nature Reserve by John Barkham

An overcast and mild morning bought 10 members to the Council-run local nature reserve in Horsham, West Sussex. We viewed the mill pond from the new Discovery Centre and noted Blackheaded, Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, plus Cormorants, Canada Geese, Teal, Tufted and Mallard Ducks. A Grey Wagtail was spotted on the weir and later in the morning a Kingfisher. A short walk led to one of two viewing screens with bird feeders and we added a brightly coloured male and slightly less flashy female Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Coal Tit and eventually 2 Marsh Tits. The main viewing screen with bird feeders offered seating and a chance to linger to watch and photograph the various woodland birds, including a Song Thrush, Reed Bunting and Great Spotted Woodpecker. A short circular walk followed through the wet meadows and mixed woodland. We added Treecreeper and Goldcrest to our list. We ended the morning with a coffee and snack in the Visitors Centre to round off our visit.

 

Sunday 18th February 2024, Rainham Marshes RSPB by Rebecca Dunne

Lynda, Liz, Geoff, Mike and I of splashed our way around a very flooded reserve; four in wellies and Liz shimmying along fences where she could or paddling! “Quite an adventure” said Liz as the flood water finally over topped her walking boots! Luckily, between us, we had a towel and spare shoes and socks in our cars, so she had dryish feet on the way home.
Before this we had explored the Thames path which was high enough to be dry underfoot. Highlights here were a flock of 20+ Linnets eating seeds in the weedy patches near the landfill site and at least a dozen Skylarks in the same area singing, chasing after each other and feeding in the short grass right next to the path. Aveley Bay was relatively quiet apart from a few Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon and Redshank. We had groups of Redshank all along the Thames which we scanned for a reported Spotted Redshank without success. A group of white-patched, breeding plumaged Cormorants and Gulls had obviously found a shoal of fish further out on the river and kept diving. A couple of Rock Pipits shot away in front of us along with a Meadow Pipit and a probable Water Pipit although it didn’t stick around long enough for anyone else to confirm my glimpse. The first of many singing Dunnocks topped bushes along the Thames path and we had fleeting glimpses of singing Cetti’s Warblers. By the end of the day, we’d seen about 6 Cettis which gave Geoff particular joy! A female Reed Bunting stayed long enough in some pale reeds for photos, Mike saw our only Fieldfare diving into a bush and our only Little Egret flew onto Purfleet Scrape. On the main reserve the flooded paths signalled very high-water levels on the pools and scrapes and fewer birds than might otherwise have been seen although, surprisingly, our day’s total was 62 species.
The highlights were excellent views of a couple of pairs of Marsh Harriers, tumbling Lapwing, 2 pairs of Stonechat near Kingfisher hide, very mini-murmurations of Starlings and searching for Snipe. Purfleet Scrape had the most birds and species including a Curlew, 13 well camouflaged Snipe (gradually picked out after, at first, not finding any), 5 Black-tailed Godwit, a Pied Wagtail, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler. In the distance a Buzzard perched on a bush in front of a flyover. Later, from Shooting Butts hide, where we stopped for lunch, we found both a Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier obligingly perched on neighbouring bushes in front of the ‘WANIS’ industrial unit. Very little else was seen from here although a Little Grebe dived up and down as it hurried past us on Butts Scrape.
After lunch avoiding the water was our main concern although we did stop to see the Barn Owl in its box in front of the Cordite Store. It was the most distant and partial view of a sleeping owl’s head that you could possibly get but was nevertheless a Barn Owl! Our only Kestrel was spotted near here and 3 Chiffchaffs could be seen catching flies in the damp woodland. The lack of the reedbed/woodland boardwalk is a shame in this area but at least they have reopened a circular walk in some form.
Hot drinks in the café were needed at the end of our paddle and fortified, we had one last look across the Thames. This added an Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet and Common Gulls. Yellow-legged Gulls were a possibility, but light conditions were so poor we’re not counting them! Our very last species of the day was Collared Dove when one shot across the car park.

 

Wednesday 31st January 2024, Barnes WWT by Jonathan Hannam

Twelve members joined me on a chilly and overcast day for a gentle stroll around the reserve. After gathering together at the Observatory for an initial look at the main lake, we started off on the South Route. Stopping first at the Dulverton Hide, we soon picked up the resident female Goldeneye, along with Wigeon, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pochard, Mallard, Cormorant, Lapwing and distant gulls. Moving on towards the WWF hide, we stopped by the feeders to see if any Brambling were there. No luck with them, though Chaffinch, Blue Tit, and Great Tit were all present. Just as we left the feeders to go to the hide, a Sparrowhawk flew overhead, giving good views.
At the WWF hide, the gulls were a lot closer, enabling us all to appreciate the difference between Common Gull and Black-headed Gull, not always easy to do at distance. No sign of a Bittern, however. At the Peacock hide, we spent a lot of time scanning for Snipe. Eventually, Mike got onto a Common Snipe some distance away in the grazing marsh and then found a Jack Snipe close by, bobbing up and down. Using Shovelers as markers, most of us were able to locate the area, though they needed a scope to see them well.
On the way back to the Visitor Centre for a spot of lunch, we saw a small flock of Siskin and picked up Greenfinch and Cetti’s Warbler at the feeders. After lunch, we walked the West Route to the Wildside hide, hoping to see Bittern, without success. However, we did see Great Crested Grebe, a distant Water Pipit and a Peregrine, taking the total of species seen by the group to 47 for the day.

 

Sunday 21st January 2024, Abberton Reservoir, by Ruth Shinebaum

Six people wrapped up warm and met on the Layer Breton causeway near Abberton, having ignored the warnings of excessively windy conditions forecast for later in the day which might close the bridge and block their route home. The leader was not at all worried, but then she lives north of the river!
We scanned the small flocks of ducks notching up the usual suspects such as Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal, finding nothing out of the ordinary as two Great Egrets flew over. Next stop was the Layer de la Haye causeway which gave great close views of Goosander and Goldeneye in their splendid colours; a Redshank, one of our few waders for the day; a Grey Wagtail seen and then disappeared (we believe you, Chris); and despite this and a second visit later in the day, no sign of the reported divers or unusual grebes. A Marsh Harrier obligingly put up large flocks of ducks, but they were very distant with little chance of identifying to species level.
Next it was over to the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre where we paid our dues and used the loos before moving on to the Abberton Church area. The car park provided some Redwings and a single Fieldfare, and later a flock of Linnet, before we slid our way down the muddy track to the viewpoint. We quickly found the two long-staying Velvet Scoter not too far out, but there was very little else close enough to scan through. However the Kestrel hovering over our heads managing the wind with ease was a lovely sight. It was now time for lunch so back to the centre for a coffee and cake.
Rebecca and Paul stopped off at Billets Farm on the way for a quick reccy but decided everything was too distant for good viewing, so we lunched and did the reserve circuit instead. Two lovely Stonechat enlivened our walk but we didn’t add any other species to our rather meagre list.
We left the reserve as planned at 3.00pm on a mission to get to Heybridge, 15 minutes drive away. Our target was the Northern Waterthrush which had often been seen late afternoon. We were not disappointed. Half the group had already twitched and had sightings varying from good to glimpse to no show, but this time all of us could watch this showy American vagrant, which should be somewhere in South America. Pottering around just underneath us in the muddy ditch it looked like a cross between a strongly marked meadow pipit (same size) and a redwing (strong head markings). The obliging bird showed us all its features including a yellowy wash and some even heard the chip as it flew. A great end to the day.
57 species seen at Abberton and a further 3 at Heybridge including a UK lifer for many of us

 

Sunday 7th January 2024, Isle of Sheppey, by Chris Turner

The roost at Shellness is always a bit special, and although we arrived a little after high tide there were still very good numbers of Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Curlew and Grey Plover to be seen. On the sea plenty Wigeon, Gadwall and handful of Great-crested Grebe. Also good to see a couple of Peregrine sitting on the shingle bank and excellent views of a Short-eared Owl quartering the salt marsh. The single Great-white Egret no longer has the star status it once had. The undoubted highlight (for me anyway) were the three Snow Bunting found by a sharp eyed Rebecca right at the end of the spit. My first on a bird club trip for many years, and a real treat.
Then a walk along the sea wall around the Swale NNR in increasing wintery weather. Not huge numbers of birds, although most of the group managed views of a distant Merlin, as well as the more expected Marsh Harriers. Just the three Russian White-fronted Geese amongst the Greylags, but no sign of the (perhaps?) plastic fantastic Lesser White-front. On to the raptor roost at Chapel Fleet. And boy was it cold. I would guess half a dozen Marsh Harriers were doing the rounds. Also a large flock on Brent Geese feeding in the distant fields as well as good numbers of Lapwing and the odd Golden Plover. 150 Fieldfare seemed appropriately seasonal as I began to lose all feeling in my fingers. Not a spectacular species count (just 59) but always a treat to have a days birding in the North Kent Marshes. 9 members braved the cold.

 

Sunday 3rd January 2024, Blashford Lakes and Blackwater Arboretum by Peter Knox

Marsh Harrier spectacle with plenty of Hawfinches.
Nine members arrived on an overcast morning. After getting our kit together we made our way to the Woodland hide on route we found some Redpoll. The woods were alive with bird sounds. Once in the hide we had excellent views of Siskin, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch, and many other passerines. After a while we moved on to the Ivy South hide and here, we had the full range of ducks including Pintail, Teal and Wigeon. We then moved on to the Ivy North hide and on route we had great views of two Treecreeper. The hide did not give us any new species and so we headed back to the carpark to pick up lunch before moving on to the hides around Ibsley waters. We now headed to the Tern hide and on route we saw a Song Thrush sitting on the side of a bridge in the open singing. On arrival in the hide there seemed to be no birds in sight. We eventually found a group of Goldeneye. In the distance we saw more ducks.
Then we saw an amazing piece of behaviour. It started with George spotting a Marsh Harrier which had started diving on the flock of ducks. The bird seemed to have focused on a Shoveler which kept diving. We are not sure whether the harrier had damaged it or whether it was already injured. The duck eventually died at which point the Harrier dived into the water to grab the corpse and stayed in the water for at least five minutes occasionally flapping its wing. We wonder if it would become waterlogged, but after a while it flew and circled the dead duck eventually landing on the shoreline. After a short while the corpse floated to where the harrier was perched allowing it to be eaten.
After this excitement we headed to the Lapwing hide on route we found both Firecrest and Goldcrest. Further on we had a row of trees full of Siskins. We also heard both Water Rail and Cetti Warbler. As we passed Mockbegger Lake Mike spotted some Goosander both males and females. Once in the hide we had better views of the wildfowl and another male Goosander After our lunch we headed back to the cars to move on to Blackwater Arboretum. On arrival the carpark was very full, so it took a little time to park. Once we in the arboretum we set our telescope in the usual place and waited. The first birds to be found were three Bullfinches and then more Siskin. Eventually we had our first Hawfinch with at least nine gradually arriving. They were accompanied by Marsh Tits and some Redpoll. The light started to fade and so it was time call it a day.
We had a species list sixty-three not a bad list for an inland site.