Week beginning Sunday 30th May 2021
Nightjars
I made 4 night visits to the Ashdown Forest this week to follow up my successful trip on 19th May.
- On Sunday 30th May I heard a Nightjar churring on my patch at Churlwood but did not see the bird.
- The following day I was with Martin and Ian at the Old Airstrip to hear at least 3 churring Nightjars but again no sightings.
- Our luck changed at Hindleap the next day where we saw 3 Nightjars and the views were superb. Incredibly, this time, there was no churring!
- Sadly, not a single Woodcock showed up on any of these visits.
Tree Pipits
- I heard this bird at the Old Airstrip on Monday evening but I was facing the strong evening sun so couldn't see it.
- Yesterday, whilst walking around Poundgate, I came across another, singing away merrily at the top of a large bush. I even had time to observe it flying, doing its characteristic parachuting action to land on the same bush. Most entertaining!
Dartford Warblers, Redstarts and Yellowhammers
- It's been a good year for me for Dartford Warbler, probably because I have spent more time locally in the Ashdown Forest. This week there was one at the Old Airstrip and another at Poundgate. What a pity there were none on my patch at Churlwood where I have been doing a survey!
- Redstarts were much in evidence at Old Lodge with some stunning sightings.
- Yesterday was a particularly good day for Yellowhammers with at least 4 singing males showing well as I moved around the site.
Snakes at Weir Wood
Finally the snakes have appeared in decent numbers at Weir Wood with 8 seen on Tuesday morning.
Lots of birding time this week - so enjoyable!
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