Report from Stapleford Bird Club |
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| The January visit to Magog
Down proved to be a complete contrast to that made in December 2007. The group
of 10 birders followed their usual trail pattern on a bright but cold start to
the day, and were soon commenting on the lack of birds by the picnic area and
Youth Wood. This was slightly compensated by one member spotting a
kestrel and
wren on his approach to the site. However things started to
change as we started our descent towards the eastern end of the Magog Wood. A
group of some 20
fieldfares flew out of the hedging, and we noticed a pair
of
robins on a nearby briar. Closer scrutiny of these
robins gave us all the exciting sighting of a female
blackcap close by. Magog Wood produced a few chaffinches, blackbirds, fieldfares, a green woodpecker and a mistle thrush. As we moved round robins, blackbirds, occasional chaffinches and a solitary yellowhammer made themselves evident. The fields were as before supporting groups of black-headed (100+) and a smaller number (20+) lesser black-backed gulls. Long-tailed, blue and great tits were present but only in small numbers. The area previously grazed by sheep brought our next most eventful sightings. In amongst a mixed flock of fieldfares (50+) and redwings (25+) were 40+ starlings, and quite close to us were a feeding "charm" of some 20 goldfinches which were joined by 10 meadow pipits. In all, our tally for the morning was 26 species - a great improvement on December!! Our next visit will be on Saturday 2nd February at 8.30 am. Why not join us and help us find what is about? Brian Ellis |
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| Updated : 30 January 2008 |