Seven members of IWNHAS joined Dave Fairlamb of Natural Links for an Ornithology Group outing to the Ventnor Downs on 15 August, with only 12 species of birds seen or heard in total due to cool breezy conditions.
Apart from a Kestrel and a couple of Skylarks on the main ridge, most other birds were seen or heard along the more sheltered southern slope of St. Boniface Down. There were at least 4 Willow Warblers and 5 Chiffchaffs and with both species actively calling it gave a good opportunity to hear the subtle difference in their calls.
A few Swallows were feeding above the slope and a couple of Swifts. Other bird species included Buzzard and Wren. A single Gatekeeper butterfly was seen.
Swift
Dave Fairlamb
16 August 2025
