Six hardy members braved murky and blustery morning to walk along the South Downs to The Burgh and were fortunate to avoid precipitation from the dark clouds that loomed constantly. Immediately large numbers of pheasant were obvious no doubt much relieved about fewer shooting parties during lockdown. A sparrowhawk flew over while another numerous species was soon spotted, red kites elegantly gliding over the hillsides; at least sixteen were counted usually with a buzzard or two on hand. Then a raven or two cronked into view among the many carrion crows. At the summit several skylarks rose with a couple of meadow pipits below them. Small groups of linnets kept passing and two yellowhammers showed themselves briefly. Migrating swallow with a few house martins in their company kept passing over while a flock of well over a hundred goldfinches put in regular appearances. Down in the valley a marsh harrier was sighted patrolling the meadows and reappeared for further views later in the walk. Partridges though were the primary target but proved elusive in the generous, overgrown field margins. Eventually a group of red-legged partridges was identified crossing an opening in the vegetation. Grey partridges were easier to find but far more difficult to view. The sightings were all of plump, brown packages disappearing over the nearest hedgerow, a photographer’s nightmare! 22 species were identified the limited number compensated by the quality of some sightings and the sheer numbers of the rest.
Local Group
