Change of Scene

Park Wood - 1000hrs - cool, cloudy, sw 4 - With very little happening on the coast a change of scene was in order, so together with Marshman and the Joker we headed for the uplands. Despite the blustery wind and late start there was still plenty of bird song on offer around the `Nightingale Walk` where at least 5 male Nightingales were singing away; and we even glimpsed one as it flew across a ride. Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were in good numbers and there was at least 2 singing Willow Warblers in the bare canopy. Due to the late spring the bluebells were still in full flower along with many of the early species such as primroses and celandines. Also noted, Buzzard, Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Cuckoo, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. We could find no evidence of Turtle Dove, Spotted Flycatcher or Garden Warbler, all of which were present last summer, and surmised that they were just late this year,  hopefully...

                                Park Wood

Shirley Moor - We drove across the moor and pulled over and scanned a couple of likely spots, one of which was obviously in a Stewardship Scheme which had a pair of Grey Partridges, several pairs of Lapwings, Yellowhammers, Linnets and Buzzard. Elsewhere, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, more Yammers and 2 Jays.
Kenardington Bridge - One of my favourite spots on the Marsh and despite the windy conditions there was plenty to see. Reed Warblers sang near the car park along with Chiffchaff, Blackcap and 2 Lesser Whitethroats either side of the bridge. Best of all though was fleeting views of a Kingfisher along the canal, a `piping` Bullfinch and a perched Hobby. Also noted Green and Greater peckers, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnets, Long-tailed Tit, Buzzard, Lapwings and 50 House Martins, plus a green-veined white butterfly.