Author: Tony Cummins

Tice’s Meadow 28 April 2025

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Ten assembled in Aldershot Park on a fine morning that promised the start of a warm spell. Wrens and Blackcaps were in good voice around the car park while a pair of guttural Egyptian Geese was half concealed behind swings. Two Swifts were spotted high in the sky and very distant, their shape barely discernible. Close to the river the first of many Chiffchaffs was heard; later a couple gave good views. A Green Woodpecker yaffled loudly and was soon after seen crossing the path. By now Blackbirds and Robins were contributing to the morning chorus though Wrens and Blackcaps still predominated. Soon a Garden Warbler could be heard buried deep in the bushes and a couple of House Martins were glimpsed between trees. Closer to the pits two Whitethroats were singing while a Reed Warbler could could be just about discerned.

From the mound it was apparent that the water was very high with its main occupants many dozens of Coots interspersed with six Great Crested Grebes, a scattering of Moorhens and only four Tufted Ducks, the sole waterfowl present. Around the banks, notable were a Grey Heron and a Wheatear that irritatingly refused to stay in sight for proper viewing. Overhead was more interesting fare. Two Peregrines circled distantly, two Buzzards and three Red Kites were picked out above the hill and a Sparrowhawk obliged with a close flyover. Then three Swifts passed above and two Swallows briefly appeared. In front of the mound two Whitethroats provided entertainment by perching close by. Finally three Common Terns flew in and eventually perched on distant posts.

The return walk was notable for emerging butterflies with Brimstone, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell all seen. Another Garden Warbler made its presence felt but stubbornly failed to reveal itself. The feeding area provided some new sightings such as Dunnock, Long-tailed Tit and Collared Dove. The star of the final stretch was a concealed male Bullfinch that a few were fortunate to glimpse. The species list for the excellent walk totalled 49.

Frensham Little Pond 17 April 2025

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A sunny morning with light winds brought 19 members to Frensham Little Pond looking for spring migrants. Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing throughout the walk and showed occasionally. They were often accompanied in song by a plethora of more common woodland birds. The lake held the usual suspects – Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Coots, Cormorants, a few Tufted Ducks and Mallard. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were displaying and a Kingfisher flashed back and forth across the water, pausing briefly in a bush to subdue a fish it had caught. Two Treecreepers showed well, but the Reed Warbler muttering in the corner reed bed stayed hidden. Two Grey Herons were seen and a few Black-Headed Gulls were occupying the tern rafts. A Buzzard flew overhead mewing.

Out on the heath it was quieter, perhaps because birds were already nesting, but Stonechat and Woodlark were seen, Willow Warbler, a Common Redstart and a Tree Pipit heard and a singing Dartford Warbler was eventually spotted by a few tall members!

Back at the lake Cetti’s Warbler called and two more obliging Reed Warblers chased to and fro in the reeds, challenging the photographers. As a grand finale, two Common Terns appeared, dipping over the water. An enjoyable morning with over forty species seen/heard.

Oare Marshes 12 April 2025

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Nine members found hazy sunshine and a cool breeze blowing from the sea at this excellent reserve. The fun began in the car park with a couple of Sedge Warblers settling into their summer quarters with raucous song and flight display; they proved to be all around the East Flood with a count of fifteen. Cetti’s Warblers and Linnets were also very vocal. From the sea wall a few waders could be seen, Redshanks, Curlews and an Oystercatcher plus a few Shelducks. An appreciable number of Mediterranean Gulls were wheeling around and mewing while at the edge of The Swale a Common Tern was patrolling. Further out the water was quiet with just a Great Crested Grebe in view but a dozen or so seals were hauled up on the opposite side.

The initial stages of the walk were uneventful with an occasional Reed Bunting and Stonechat leavening the diet of Sedge Warblers. A couple of Common Buzzards became the first raptors of the day but it was not until the East Flood came into view that the action started. There the first impression was of hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits, the great majority in handsome breeding plumage, spread all over. Among them were many Redshanks and a few dozen Avocets sweeping the flood. Waterfowl were represented mainly by Teal with the odd Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Greylag and Mute Swan. Careful scanning revealed two Green Sandpipers and a Ruff among the waders. At this point panic broke out among the flocks typical of the reaction that a Peregrine produces but on this occasion the culprit was a White-tailed Eagle passing right overhead, its “barn door” wings seeming to darken the sky, an exhilarating moment. A Red Kite was near it and its size appeared diminutive in comparison.

Then it was on to the hide for lunch and more leisurely observation. Some Turnstones were roosting on a distant bank; a Common Snipe was winkled out from a small tussock; and then two Greenshanks flew in and gave close views. It remained however the ubiquitous Black-tailed Godwits that continue to catch the eye in their burnished plumage. On the final stage of the circuit a few of the commoner birds finally gave themselves up, Great Tit, Dunnock and Robin followed shortly by a Moorhen and then a single Lapwing. On the West Flood a few Little Egrets and Grey Herons were sighted and then a fine male Marsh Harrier appeared on patrol over the reeds. The walk concluded in a now bitter wind with a look at the ditches on the west side which unusually was extensively under water. There the final sighting of the day was a pair of Little Grebes bringing the species list to a satisfying 62.

Titchfield Haven 16 March 2025

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Fifteen members assembled at the sailing club in brilliant sun. We first scanned the Solent and found four Eiders offshore while along the tideline were numerous Sanderlings scurrying around near some Ringed Plovers. A Red-throated Diver flew west. Several Brent Geese and a surprising number of Gadwall were on the sea while the perched gull flock included a dozen Mediterranean Gulls, two Common and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Passing the harbour en route to the visitors’ centre we saw sixty or more Turnstones crowding the diminishing mud with some on the pavement only a few feet from us.

Starting along the path on the east side of the reserve we passed feeders and caused two Jays to flee while a Reed Bunting and a Dunnock remained in sight. A little further on we reached the point where we hoped to find a Tawny Owl. Despite a local volunteer pointing out precisely where it was roosting it remained invisible among the ivy to all but one fortunate member who caught a glimpse of it. Meanwhile birdsong was our constant companion including from Chiffchaffs, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Robins and Wrens. Before we reached the Meadow and Knights Bank hides a Grey Wagtail briefly appeared. From the hides a fair array of birds could be seen. A couple each of Curlews and Lapwings and small flocks of Canada and Greylag Geese shared the grass with some Highland Cattle. On the water were some Mute Swans and a variety of ducks including Shelducks, Shovelers and Tufted Ducks. Cormorants were perched on fences as was a female Stonechat. Marsh Harriers were repeatedly seen reaching four in number at one point.

After a sandwich lunch by the sea during which the loss of the cafe was lamented we headed for the east sider of the reserve. The water on the scrapes was high but over a dozen each of Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits were foraging as they waded. On the banks about forty Oystercatchers were roosting in the company of a similar number of Wigeon. Numerous Teal swam around while the islands were being monopolised by Black-headed Gulls preparing for the breeding season. Eventually two Snipe emerged and were joined by a Redshank. The north part of the reserve was thinly populated but we enjoyed a flypast from a Marsh Harrier and added a Buzzard and a Kestrel to our raptor sightings. The walk back was enlivened by a young Red Fox that had not yet learned caution and offered prolonged views of its shining coat. The final sighting was on the sea, a distant pair of Common Scoter. An enjoyable walk in lovely spring sunshine produced an excellent list of 61 species.

Warnham LNR 12 February 2025

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Ten members braved a dank and cold morning, typical of this so far dreary February, and gathered in the hide overlooking the mill pond where an array of the usual birds was assembled. There were plenty of Mallards and Tufted Ducks interspersed with Coots, a Gadwall and three Egyptian Geese. Further out were a Cormorant, a Grey Heron and seven Pochards. A lucky few saw a Kingfisher streaking across the water. At the feeder screen the standout bird amid considerable activity was a male Siskin. For company it had numerous Blue and Great Tits plus a few Goldfinches, Long-tailed Tits and singles of Coal Tit and Greenfinch. On the ground a Redwing hopped into view amid many Chaffinches and a few each of Dunnock and Nuthatch.

The action at the feeder hide was more muted, mainly more of the same tits and finches, but there was also a Pheasant or two strolling around while two Moorhens behaved as though they were being paid to chase off the Brown Rats. A couple of Reed Buntings foraged around while Blackbirds came and went with their usual clamour. So it was on to the boardwalk and the wet woodland. Wrens were in good voice but elusive for viewing. A confiding Robin was a big hit when it was enticed to feed from the hand. A Great Spotted Woodpecker perched high overhead caused strain on the neck muscles while a Song Thrush piped in the distance. A small flock of Redwings fed on the adjacent golf course and a Goldcrest hopped around in a low bramble.

The circuit led back to the feeder hide where activity had heated up. To universal delight several Siskins appeared on the feeders and two Bramblings were coming and going. Then Redpolls began arriving until their number reached six; one was extensively marked with red on its head and breast, a really handsome bird. Finally back a the feeder screen the morning was crowned by the sight of a female Bullfinch. Despite the unpromising conditions the walk had proved to be most productive with 41 species identified.

Papercourt Water Meadows 7 November 2024

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A dank and dismal afternoon greeted the seventeen members who met at Pyrford Bridge. The unpromising conditions were initially matched by a paucity of birds until a Peregrine broke the ice atop a pylon in the meadow opposite the access path to the lake. Views of the lake showed a large number of Black-headed Gulls, a Common Gull and many Coots. A few Mallards and Tufted Ducks were scattered around while a Grey Heron was on the far bank. Looking back from further along the path a Pochard came into view shortly followed by four Red-Crested Pochards, three handsome drakes and a striking female. In the fringing shrubbery was a small flock of Long-tailed Tits accompanied by a Blue Tit, a Great Tit and a few Goldfinches. Shortly afterwards a group of Gadwalls, three Wigeons and a couple of Great-crested Grebes appeared. Then it was off along the path to the farm which proved uneventful apart from a screech from a Jay. At the start of the farm track a Great Spotted Woodpecker was tearing into a dead branch with a Redwing for company. Greylag and Egyptian Geese were in the adjacent fields while a little further along a few of the group had a brief view of a Little Owl before it went out of sight. In the cattle pasture a Mistle Thrush was perched on machinery and a Pied Wagtail ran across the path. A distant Kestrel was also spotted on its perch. Activity across the water meadows was limited. A large flock of Starlings sat briefly on the wires prior to roosting. A Stonechat sat at a similar elevation while a cock Pheasant flew into cover but alas no Barn Owl. A species list of 43 exceeded expectations at the start.

Sheepleas 17 October 2024

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The walk took place on a lovely autumn day with an attendance of fourteen including the group’s regional RSPB manager, Hugo Bromfield. The walk proved very interesting and productive with many fungi species seen. The following is a list of those identified.

Tricholoma scalpturatum, Yellowing Knight

Coprinopsis picaceus, Magpie Inkcap

Cortinarius croceocaeruleus –

Mycena maculata, Stained Bonnet

Mycena crocata, Saffrondrop Bonnet

Mycena haematopus, Burgundydrop Bonnet

Russula nobilis, Beechwood Sickener

Helvella crispa, White Saddle

Amanita muscaria, Fly Agaric

Cortinarius elegantissimus –

Inocybe sp. One of the Fibrecaps

Psathyrella corrugis, Red-edge Brittlestem

Mycena pelianthina, Black-edged Bonnet

Stereum hirsutum, Hairy Curtain Crust

Xylaria hypoxylon, Candlesnuff

Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Poison Pie

Fomitopsis betulina, Birch Polypore/Razorstrop Fungus

Xerula radicata, Rooting Shank

Gymnopilus penetrans, Common Rustgill

Psathyrella piluliformis, Common Stump Brittlestem

Clavulina coralloides (cristata), Crested Coral

Melanoleuca polioleuca, Common Cavalier

Bisporella citrina, Lemon Disco

Byssomerulius corium, Netted Crust*

Mycoacia uda _   *

Inocybe geophylla, White Fibrecap

Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tail

Daedaleopsis confragosa, Blushing Bracket

Gymnopus brassicolens, Cabbage Parachute

Clavaria acuta, Pointed Club**

Postia tephraleuca, Greyling Bracket (soft,white bracket)

Helvella lacunosa, Black Saddle

Hygrophorus eburneus, Ivory Woodwax

Clitocybe phaeophthalma, Chicken Run Funnel

Hygrocybe conica, Blackening Waxcap

*The Byssomerulius and the Mycoacia were found growing together. Whether one was trying to takeover the other or whether they were peacefully co-existing was unclear.

** Originally thought to be Clavaria fragilis but that is a grassland species whereas  Clavaria acuta grows “gregariously” or singly in woodland or grassland.

Several Cortinarius species were also found. Both elegantissimus and croceocaeruleus have been confirmed at Sheepleas in the past. However as there are over 2000 species of Cortinarius and many of them are brown, they are almost impossible to identify in the field.

 

Puttenham Common

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It was disappointing that the first walk of the new season coincided with the end of the reliable weather of recent weeks. Just eight members engaged in denial about the forecast and were greeted by steady rain that soon became unremitting. It was clear that the walk would have to be confined to the lakes area. It began at Cutt Mill Pond where the growing shrubbery made viewing difficult. Eventually two Great Crested Grebes were spotted followed by a couple of Cormorants and a Mallard. Near the Mill a Robin was singing and the fluting voice of a Goldcrest was heard. Then with a harsh cry a Grey Heron fly down to perch at the water’s edge. On then to the Tarn which initially appeared devoid of birds before a Kingfisher flew along the far bank and disappeared into cover. At the second lake a Black-headed Gull and a couple of Coots were added to the morning’s meagre bag. Finally in the woods close to the car park a small feeding flock flitted among the treetops; identification though foggy optics was tricky but the majority were Long-tailed tits with a few Great Tits. The species list totalled twelve.

Sheepleas 4 July 2024

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Seventeen members attended the walk at Sheepleas, familiar for fungi events but new for butterflies. Conditions were sunny but there was wind with a cold edge that undoubtedly discouraged flight. There were reasonable numbers of Marbled Whites and Meadows Browns about but other species that should have been abundant in the flower meadows were confined with one exception to single figures. Early on came sightings of the solitary Comma and Red Admiral encountered. Later came singles of Large Skipper, Large White and Brimstone. Two Small Heaths and three Ringlets came to seem excessive. The star sighting was a dozen fritillaries flitting about at speed that obstinately refused to land in order to permit precise identification. Eventually one was spotted on the ground and after a long wait it lifted its wings to reveal the tell-tale splodges on the underwing that clinched it as a Dark-green Fritillary. The butterfly species count came to eleven, accompanied by the same number of bird species, mainly heard, that included a tuneful Garden Warbler.

Blackheath Common 27 June 2024

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Twenty members attended the postponed dusk walk in conditions much improved on those of a fortnight earlier but still not ideal for Nightjar viewing. In the event there was a satisfactory chorus of churring as night encroached on the heath; most heard wing clapping and a lucky minority glimpsed one or two Nightjars silhouetted against the deepening gloom. There were also two flypasts by roding Woodcocks that some were able to enjoy.