First trip out since Nov 30th! Was determined to have a few hours close by so went first to West Common North Road where I conducted a BBS a couple or so years ago. For the first time drove round to the small conifer wood hoping to see a raptor, but there was nothing about, where I parked give an all round view, so will visit again. Then went to one of my favourite areas Black Bank. While there got chatting to a local who told me a gang of blokes were taking out all the scrub in the area of birch which I refer to sandhills, it's a few hundred yards from Scotter Road. He said he thinks the work is being carried out by those running the Coversand project, it's a shame I think. They have been cutting gorse back close to the roadside which is used by the finches for cover etc. He said the local farmer wasn't happy but was powerless to stop it!
Arrived at 1500 and after driving the full length left at 1630. Here are my species:
Great Tit - 8
Coal Tit - 1
Chaffinch - 2
Blue Tit - 7
Moorhen - 5
Greylag - 83
Kestrel - 3
Mute Swan - 8
Barn Owl - 1
Plus Wood Pigeons and Corvids.
Called at Butterwick Hale in hope of seeing an owl or two but only saw 5 Red-leg Partridge. I usually park on the incline and in the past it's nearly always been clear of litter it wasn't this time it was a disgrace
There was bags of rubbish, cans, bottles, paper and the area looked a damn mess, I stayed in car and left after a very short stay. The local parish council have erected a sign saying No Shooting, No Tipping and Dogs to be kept on leads.
All in all enjoyed the few hours getting some fresh air and seeing the Barn Owl
Regards
Max
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