Casbrook Common

 Monday 27 May

An interesting an enjoyable visit to this new site of Casbrook Common slightly north of Romsey but, on this occasion, neither Nightingale nor Lesser whitethroat.  Indeed, not even a Common whitethroat nor Redstart. However, plenty of Blackcaps and Garden Warblers and a lone Willow Warbler to accompany the many Chiffchaffs.  Upon arrival, first the House Sparrows, Jackdaws and a passing Carrion Crow before encountering the Woodpigeons as I made my way though the open are and up through the woods to the open common above.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

No shortage of either Wren or Robin plus the occasional Blackbird and once back in the higher, open area more close sightings of the resident Linnets. A Song Thrush was singing away before I followed a grass pathway to my right and was suddenly surprised to come across a couple of Guinea Fowl.  Where had they come from?  Presumably, escaped from a local game or farm rearing area.

Guinea Fowl Numida meleagris

Back in the initial open area near the road I came across a couple of Starlings and more Jackdaws before stopping to listen to the singing Willow Warbler and photograph the Chiffchaff on my opposite side who seemed to be in direct competition with his fellow warbler.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Birds seen:

Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet.

Other birds identified by "Merlin":

Dunnock, Whitethroat, Nuthatch.

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