Page 7 - Out Birding Autumn 2023

A􏰀er lunch, we drove the short distance to Shoreham fort to find an ac􏰁ve Raven’s nest on a tower (nest visible, Ravens not), and then onto the beach. Here, we looked for Italian wall lizards. As the name suggests, these are not a na􏰁ve species. Released by a local lizard enthusiast back in the day, they have slowly spread around Shoreham. Sue soon found one, and then a few more were spo􏰂ed against the fort walls. ‘Longer than I expected’, ‘aren’t they green?!’, ‘this one’s moving a bit’ were among our more expert comments. But the star of the show was a stunning male Wheatear which perched up on the walls of the fort. A handsome spring migrant welcomed by all.
Some members dispersed, but more returned to Sue and Eva’s for more tea and chat. Twenty-two bird species, not including the hidden Raven, made for a fantas􏰁c day on the coast. Many thanks to Tony and par􏰁cularly to Sue and Eva for their wonderful hospitality.
Ian
Arger Fen & Spouse’s Vale, Suffolk 22/04/2023
Arger Fen and Spouse’s Vale are ancient woodlands with a lineage da􏰁ng back at least 500 years. It is not specifically a bird reserve so there are no hides, but the environ- ment is a mixed woodland, heathland and wet meadow offering a range of habitats. We were lucky enough to have a day which bucked the ‘overcast with rain’ forecast and remained bright and dry throughout. We were a very small group, so introduc- 􏰁ons and health and safety were covered swi􏰀ly.
Our walk began by entering Arger Fen which, despite the name, bears li􏰂le resem- blance to what one expects of Fenland. The footpath dropped steeply down into woodland and within minutes we were watching Treecreeper bouncing around in the trees, giving plenty of clear views of its lively an􏰁cs. We searched for Nuthatch, which are also reported, but to no avail. On the ground Blackbirds were very vocal as they tossed the old winter leaves around in search of food; their song compe􏰁ng with the harsh sound of Magpie and other corvids. On the ground patches of bluebell, for which the area is noted, were interlaced with celandine, wood anemone, s􏰁tchwort and primrose. Across the area, hummocks and patches of fresh dug earth and holes showed the presence of an ac􏰁ve badger popula􏰁on.
Along one of the damp tracks the ramsoms (wild garlic) not yet fully in bloom, scented the air. Emerging from the marshy ground, like li􏰂le aliens, mares’ tails poked their heads through the soil. In the next few weeks, the area will be awash with the sway- ing, feathered stems of these prehistoric plants.
We climbed out of the Fen and up to Hullback’s Grove, with its spectacular display of spring bluebells. Whilst a week too early to be fully scen􏰁ng, the woodland floor ahead of us was carpeted in a blue haze. We paused to enjoy this ‘showstopper’ accompanied by Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Crow, and a melodious (but invisible) Blackcap.
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