Sunday 25 June 2017

20-25th June 2017

Another varied few days. Developments at the patch include the opening of the new Banstead Woods 'nature reserve', although quite what this means remains something of an enigma. A couple of patch visits have revealed little newsworthy in ornithological terms, while I continue to somehow avoid the plethora of interesting butterflies on offer. An evening ringing session at Beddington with just one net produced catches of juvenile Chiffchaff and Whitethroat, along with two re-trap Reed Warblers. Surrey Ed gave we a tour of his patch, with highlights including Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest, many Mandarins and a movement of Swifts, with a female Shoveler being of local/seasonal significance. A trip to the Harting Combe area offered up two each of Goshawk, Crossbill, Firecrest, Raven and Tree Pipit, along with an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Hobby, and a Marsh Tit of particular note.

adult Mediterranean Gull over Sussex downs

Raven over Sussex downs

Comma at Canons Farm