Eight members met at the National Trust car park at the far end of Culver Down for a walk led by Jackie Hart. Despite the grey cloud and light rain which greeted us, we went ahead with the walk and thankfully the weather improved as the morning wore on. As per last year’s spring walk at the site, it was notable for the number of singing Skylark on the downland east of the coastguard cottages. This is certainly an improvement to prior years. Conversely, Meadow Pipit numbers seemed to be lower than last year. It was pleasing to see a pair of Stonechat, hopefully they will remain to breed. As the walk was aimed for spring migrants, we all had good views of a Wheatear while two Chiffchaff were calling and up to four Whitethroat were present along with a single Blackcap. The footpath along the edge of the down rewarded us with lovely views of prospecting Fulmars, a male Peregrine and two Raven.
In total, 27 species were seen: Linnet, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Pheasant, Jackdaw, Raven, Crow, Rook, Stonechat, Herring Gull, Fulmar, Peregrine, Wheatear, Grey Heron, Dunnock, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Robin and Wren.
Jim Baldwin
