Page 8 - Out Birding Winter 2023

the right of those reeds!...” got the pained reply “Which reeds Geoff? ...There are 20 acres of reeds out there!” A􏰀er 10 minutes the Bi􏰁ern li􏰀ed off, giving all a good view of it in flight. Later, back in the Bi􏰁ern Hide, another gave a long flight over the reed- beds as if to prove they’re not really that shy. In this final hide we also had a clear view of Hobby sweeping across and into the woodland behind us, and also a red deer leading its fawn through the reeds.
The trip ended with Paul guiding the remaining group out towards the neighbouring Dunwich Heath, with a specific target in mind. Nine of us saw Blackbird, Dunnock, Mistle Thrush and Kestrel to add to our list, along with Red-Legged Partridge and our target, a pair of Stone Curlew. We enjoyed watching them scu􏰁ling around behind an electric fence, placed to protect them from predators. Our walk back to the car gave addi􏰂onal sigh􏰂ngs of Starling, Rook, Wheatear, Long-Tailed Tit, Woodlark, Pied Wagtail, Common Buzzard and Collared Dove.
In all, 64 species of birds which, I think, largely supports the no􏰂on that with more people birding the more things you see. Thanks to Jolyon, Robert and Paul for their leadership, Jonathan, John, Gavin, Greg, Peter, Kath and Norma for their company, and, of course, Lyndsay for ins􏰂ga􏰂ng it.
Mar􏰂n Harrison
Knepp Wildland, West Sussex 08/07/2023
The weather forecast of rain and thunderstorms was far from promising for this dou- ble-billed butterfly and birding day at the Knepp Estate, famous for its pioneering re- wilding project. The target species were Purple Emperor and Purple Hairstreak Butter- flies, and on the bird front, White Storks nesting and possibly Turtle Doves.
Carol led the day with 11 members attending. It was overcast as we started and we were greeted by the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker flying briskly by. The going was hot and humid but soon forgotten in the wildlife abundance of the estate. As soon as we entered the walks we were struck by the abundance and variety of butterflies on the bramble, wildflowers and grassland - reassuring given the scarcity of butterflies this spring and early summer. Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Marble White, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Skipper fluttered around and could be viewed privately by those needing wild-wee breaks - we are all looking forward to the opening of the visitor centre soon to give more convenient and comfortable facilities! Also in the scrubland the sight and song of Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch and Wren accompanied us throughout the day. A commotion was heard from Carrion Crow, Magpie, and Black- bird which was explained by a Buzzard suddenly taking off from their tree and soaring off majestically into the distance.
At various times in the day we spotted wild fallow deer including a small herd in the afternoon with three adult males sporting impressive antlers. Also seen was a fox.
The wooded areas along one side of the path allowed us to add the usual woodland birds but the Turtle Doves, which have stopped calling by this time of year, stayed
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