Report from Stapleford Bird Club |
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| The monthly visit for April
was delayed until Saturday 12 April. Nine birders found themselves starting on
another bright morning, but with a distinctly chilly breeze from the north
west. This chilling wind did not deter some eight
skylarks rising and singing over the north Downland.
Perhaps they were above the cool wind, because apart from a couple of
dunnocks scurrying under a hedge and another two
blackbirds boldly braving the breeze we saw nothing else
until we reached Magog Wood. There we were rewarded by our first chiffchaff, and on the crest of the hill we were surprised to see two redwing. These were accompanying two mistle thrush. A wren treated us to its shrill call, as did the odd chaffinch. Our walk along Jane’s Piece revealed nothing on the set-aside or the hedge at the top of the old parish pit. Apart from six jackdaws on the sheep pasture there was virtually no activity in the hedgerows, and it was not until we were by Vestey Wood that we heard another of our spring visitors – a blackcap. Two or three robins made their presence known in Memorial Wood, and two magpies overflew. Another blackcap was noted on our return along the south side of Magog Wood. A small flock of 30-plus woodpigeons fed on the sheep pasture, and we saw the odd crow or two. All in all – from a bird point of view – a disappointing session with only 15 species noted. Perhaps our next walk on Saturday 3 May will be more productive. |
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| Updated : 27 May 2008 |