Bird walk at West High Down 29th April 2018

Eight members and four guests met at the National Trust chalk pit car park at Totland for a walk up to the downs. It was a cold and blustery morning but we did see or hear some summer migrants including Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat in the woodland either side of the track. Jay and Buzzard were overhead in the car park and a Pheasant was heard periodically calling from the nearby field. A Green Woodpecker, Wren and Robin were also either heard or seen. A pair of Long-tailed Tits were foraging in amongst the trees. On the downs Swallows were flying by and Linnets were flitting from Gorse bush to Gorse bush. There was a party of five with one carrying nesting material and a Dunnock was spotted with a feather in its bill. It was very noticeable that very few Meadow Pipits were seen- probably two altogether. A male Stonechat was sitting on top of a Gorse bush as were two Wheatear. No Dartford Warblers were noted. Two Ravens were sitting together on a redundant golf tee off area. In all 31 species were noted during the morning. Jackie Hart