Sunday, August 17, 2008 - Signs of Migration at Milk Hill, Wiltshire |
Headed up to Wiltshire's highest peaks (!) in the hope of seeing some hilltop migration. At the end of a very long and tiring walk, I had seen just enough to make the walk and early start worthwhile!
Highlights were 2 Wheatears, a Spotted Flycatcher, and 2 Willow Warblers. Most numerous bird was Swallow: Many were grounded and feeding over a sheep field, others were passing through. Amongst them I managed 2 House Martins, and a Sand Martin.
Quite surprised by the number of Kestrels in the area. Must have been at least 6, and even better a Juvenile Peregrine made a brief appearance fighting with Kestrels and a Rook before engaging in an extensive pursuit of a pigeon. The Pigeon narrowly escaped by swooping into a barn after what must have been a white knuckle ride into the clouds and back!
Surprised I didn't bump into a Redstart or two up there. The habitat looked good in places, but there are so many similar looking hills across the Downs. I suspect most of the more interesting migrants make it through un-detected.
Scanned the skies for about an hour once the thermals started putting up Buzzards, and the local Gulls and Crows started to move, but not a great deal was passing through. Did see a very interesting looking distant Raptor that may have been a Marsh Harrier, but alas, it dropped over the horizon before I could clinch the ID.
Also in the area, 3 Crop circles and a large number of Pagans(?). Some of whom were on the top of a hill doing a wacky dance.
Stopped off at the Nether Wallop Sewage works on the way home. A small finch flock of about 20 birds was feeding along the track. Most were Linnets including one immaculate male, with a few Greenfinches and a Goldfinch.
|
| • Post A Comment! |
|
About Me
Diary of wildlife watching in and around North Baddesley, Hampshire.
Friends
|
