Club trip to the Berkshire Downs - May 2004

by Colin Wilson

Photo: Ray Reedman

We wondered how well attended this would be having chosen a Sunday in the middle of a bank holiday weekend but a group of 14 members came along on a bright sunny evening and were well rewarded.

The birds were as we would expect on the Downs at this time of year and with the benefit of 14 watchers we found a good selection to enjoy. The Grey Partridges were very popular being harder to find than they used to be and largely replaced by Red-Legged Partridges which were abundant on this evening. Pheasants made their expected appearance and several unrewarded moments were spent looking and listening for a possible Quail in the sunshine. I have heard Quail on the Downs but it is not a frequent pleasure and Spain is a better bet!

With the sun on our backs we spent a while enjoying Buzzards down a valley where they were both perched and flying. At the same time Thrushes and Wagtails kept us occupied. Along the Ridgeway section of the walk, Willow Warblers sang happily and we spent some time enjoying the Corn Buntings who 'jangled their keys' to alert us to them. Of course, a Downs walk cannot be had without our friend with the cheese shortage problem! Yellowhammers sang from many hawthorn bushes and in this light, their colour was spectacular.

Lapwings were doing their acrobatics all the evening, not least as the light faded. Of course the real thrill of the night was to hear the distant call of the Stone Curlew. While we waited for this, the gathered group had their attention drawn to Jupiter showing beautifully in the sky with its four moons surrounding it.

Our special thanks go to Martin Sell who lead the walk and gave much help on the flora as well as the birds. His expertise is greatly valued. Had we not seen many birds on this evening it was still a great pleasure and we are sure the benefits of many eyes working together and the joint knowledge of a group is an excellent way to birdwatch.