Sunday, June 15, 2025

Birds added to the year list in the past couple of weeks have included Greenfinch (118) on the 7th June  and Common Tern (119) on the 8th June. With lighter winds forecast for this morning and some sunshine, I thought I would have a walk around the area in case any new birds were to be found. Birds noted from 05:00 included 2 Shelduck, 25 Swift, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Great Black backed Gull, 4 Lesser Black backed Gull, 1 Common Tern, 7 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby hunting at the Sand Martin colony unsuccessfully, 2 Skylark, c80 Sand Martin, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Whitethroat, 33 Starling, 16 House Sparrow, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 15 Linnet and 4 Goldfinch. The highlight of the morning came when as I walked along the seawall near the King's Hall, I thought I heard a Reed Warbler briefly sing. I made my way to a set of bushes and after a few minutes, a Reed Warbler (120) started singing again. This is quite a scarce bird I would imagine here and just passing through. I've certainly only recorded them on a few occasions over the years. Better was to come for as I was recording the Reed Warbler, a flock of 5 Common Crossbill (121) flew low west calling. I even managed to capture the 'chip' call as one bird flew through the recording. This is a new species for me on the Downs.  



Reed Warbler singing with Common Crossbill 'chip' call 
and flying through shot



Hobby

2 comments:

  1. Envious of your Hobby chasing the Sand Martins with wings fully in the upward stroke Marc.

    Regards....Pete.

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  2. I wish I had seen it coming. I might have been a bit more prepared. Nice to see nonetheless. Take care.

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