A very wet morning, but ten of us walked up the path to the top of the Down enjoying Ravens and Jackdaws performing aerial acrobatics and a distant Peregrine. Then a male Kestrel flew over.The mud flats held a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, a Cormorant, lots of Shelducks and a few Mallards and Teal. A couple of Curlews and Oystercatchers were also seen. In spite of the steady drizzle the Wheatears and Stonechats (at least two of each), were giving good views and we heard Chiff-Chaff ‘wheeting’ and Blackcap ‘tacking’. We stopped to admire Centaury and Yellow Wort in flower and there were Goldfinches, Linnets, Swallows and House Martins about as well as Long-tailed Tits. A bright yellowish-warbler seen by some of the party could have been a Wood Warbler or a young Willow Warbler. Everyone’s bins were very steamed up! Finally on the way back we saw a Sparrowhawk which flew off the top of the Down towards the car park.In spite of the damp, an enjoyable walk – no rarities but plenty of good birds. 35 species in all.
Sue & John Prince