After a tough week at work decided to reward myself with an evening on the Downs a few miles north of Stockbridge. First site was a nice field of new plough last time I visited, with a few Lapwings holding territory. By this evening, the field was about 2 foot high with a crop I'd never seen before, which looked like a light purple Poppy! Anyway, birdlife was predictably fairly low. I was very lucky to see a flock of 15 Lapwings fly up, presumably spooked by something. On the return journey I bumped into 2 juvenile Marsh Tits, something I'd never seen before.. one was about 2 metres from me, totally oblivious until an adult appeared and warned him off.
Went to one of my favourite sites for an hour before dusk, and set off on a fairly long walk. Highlights were 5 singing Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Bullfinch, Grey and Red Legged Partridges. One fairly small bare area had over 700 Rooks feeding on the outward walk. The return walk at dusk, the Rooks had gone, and I was lucky enough to see a Stone Curlew and fledgling feeding in the same area. Have a feeling the fledgling was hiding in the nearby Corn Field all day, and came out into the open area at dusk. Great views.. The fledgling was reminiscent of a Wheatear at long range in shape and posture! Also heard two more Stone Curlews calling at dusk. Hard to believe they had a breeding success with so many Rooks in the area! |
