Martin Down and Blashford Lakes

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Wednesday 27 May 

The present heatwave with temperatures in the low thirties continues and this morning a visit to Martin Down, north-west of Ringwood and on the Hampshire-Wiltshire border, in the hope that I might come across the visiting Turtle dove on its annual summer site.  No need to rush off early, just as well as there was a hold-up on the Ringwood-Fordingbridge road, so on site just before 10.30 having recorded both Red-legged Partridge and Barn Swallow as I approached and a Collared Dove upon arrival.

Leaving the car park to walk up the same track that I took on last year's HOS meet at the same sight able to note Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw and Magpie along with Robin and Whitethroat.  Continuing on up the hill alongside the hedges and a few small trees, I then added both Chaffinch and Chiffchaff whilst hight above the singing Skylarks. As last year, I made my way through the internal path through the spinney rather than continue onto the bottom of the hill and quickly recorded both Blackcap and Wren.

About two thirds of the way through the spinney I stopped as a Cuckoo called very loudly from close buy, almost on top me.  A second Cuckoo the appeared to respond from further away to the south.  But, most rewarding and strange at the same time, a sudden loud churring from a nearby Nightjar, almost as a protest of being awoke form its usual daytime sleep.  With a smile on my face and feeling really pleased I continued on till the end and returned to the track on the northern side of the spinney.  Then, about half-way, the bird I had been hoping for as a Turtle Dove announced its presence.  

Back to the car so that I could get a small rest before making my way home with a call in at Blashford Lakes on the way, when starting to drive off a pair of Pied Wagtails on the road in front of me, along with more Blackbirds and Woodpigeons.

Within thirty minutes I was parked up in front of the Tern Hide at Blashford Lakes and looking forward to seeing what might be about.  Lots of empty water with most of the birds at the back and western side.  Mainly Lesser Black-backed Gulls with a few Cormorants and Egyptian Geese along with a handful of Mute Swans.  I did see a fishing Common Tern but another was much closer to me sitting in the hide.  Also near at hand many more Egyptian Geese along with a few Mallard and a single Lapwing.  Lots of Coots about and a pair of Pied Wagtails working the water line below me.

Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca

Further out a flock of at least twenty Great Crested Grebes with a few more not so far distant and then, scoping the western bank, I even found a pair of Greylag amongst the Egyptian Geese.  Both Carrion Crow and Jackdaw flew across the water close by and, as to be expected, a number of feeding Sand Martins from the nearby artificial nesting bank.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Moving across to the main reserve a walk through the trees to the Ivy South Hide produced Robin and Chiffchaff with a lone Heron at the back of the scrape.  On the water itself a selection of nesting Black-headed Gulls on both floats and rafts plus a Common Tern on a stick immediately in front of the hide.  A very distant Moorhen was noted and in the reeds to the left of the hide a number of singing Reed Warblers.

Nesting Black-headed Gull Larus ridibunbdus

Making my way back to the Woodland Hide I came across a Song Thrush plus Wren and Blackcap in the centre of the wood.  And a pleasant surprise to find  Stock Dove as my final bird of the morning.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Skylark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Nightjar, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 27 May

What a fabulous birding day for the Arboleas Birding Group with fabulous bird, photos and company.  All those exciting bords surely do bring back very many memories of my life in Andalucia.  For me, on perhaps the last day of our present run of 30+C temperatures, a visit to Martin Down a few miles north-west of Ringwood and, probably, the part I visited still in Hampshire rather than Wiltshire.  This is probably the only place now you are reasonably certain of a Turtle Dove and it took a while at that.  On the other hand, whilst checking the small spinney where I saw them last year, a Cuckoo calling from almost on top of me with a further distant response across the Down.  Not only a Cuckoo but I think he must have woken a sleeping Nightjar as a long churring episode followed; and then, minutes later, I heard the Turtle Dove.  And like your good selves, I, too, came across a Red-legged Partridge.  But what has become of all the native Grey Partridges?

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 26th May

Another lovely day to go birdwatching. Sunny with a few clouds.  Nigel picked Rob and I up and we headed to the Sierra de Maria.  After passing the start line just outside Velez Blanco I soon had House Martin and Common Swift on the list.  Between there and Maria town we added Red-rumped Swallow, Red-legged Partridge, Woodpigeon, a couple of Woodchat Shrike, Spotless Starling and House Sparrow. After the town, before we got to the La Piza forest cafe we observed Mistle Thrush, Hoopoe and Magpie.

Hoopoe (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Kevin was already drinking coffee as we refilled the feeders with peanuts.  To start with, only a Jay appeared.  Kevin had already done a couple of stops on the other side of the forest, seeing Serin, White Wagtail, Chaffinch, Barn Swallow, Blackbird, Short-toed Treecreeper and Crossbill.  Steve, Carolyn and Trevor joined us.  They wandered off with Rob who'd heard a Firecrest, Great Tit and Chiffchaff.  Barrie, Beryl, Wendy and James arrived as did a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the nuts!  Also seen were Coal and Blue Tits and a Goldfinch.

Lesser Kestrels (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Rob wanted to catch up on his warblers so I suggested some of the group might go to the Botanical Gardens and the rest do the loop.  Barrie and Beryl kindly took Rob up there.  They would not be disappointed!  The rest of us commenced the loop.  At the rear of the convoy, Steve, Carolyn, Wendy and James spotted a Golden Eagle and Griffon Vulture.  As we drove through the forest section a Firecrest flew across.  Once in the field section I spotted a Lesser Short-toed Lark, a number of Crested Larks and a few Calandra Larks.  We also had Red-billed Chough and Jackdaw.

Bee-eaters (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We stopped outside the village seeing Barn Swallows, Corn Buntings and Spotless Starlings.  En route to the cliff face we saw Rock Sparrows, Carrion Crows, an obliging Hoopoe and a handsome Roller. There were lots of Rock Sparrows on the cliff face.  Didn't hear any Nightingales but did hear a Turtle Dove.  Wendy spotted three Griffon Vultures.  Moving on we had good views of Bee-eaters in the cave house village.  A Turtle Dove also perched on one of the power lines.  I added a Black Wheatear. Nothing was added till we got to the hamlet where we saw about 4 Lesser Kestrels.  In the distance we saw a 30+ plume of Griffon Vultures.

Roller (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Deep breath.....meanwhile Barrie, Beryl and Rob went to the botanical garden.  As they got out of the car in the chapel car park there was a Melodious Warbler in the trees and a Bonelli's Eagle soaring above them.  Walking up to the information centre they added Subalpine, Sardinian and Western Orphean Warblers.  Three Booted Eagles flew above them.  Although there was heavy machinery working in the area of the gardens they added Long-tailed Tit.  On the way back down they added Common Buzzard and two Golden Eagles. ( Birds may have been seen at different times!)

Turtle Dove (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

They then followed us, at a distance, around the loop.  They added Black-eared Wheatear, Common Kestrel, Raven and Stonechat.  They also had a Little Owl and Red-billed Chough at the hamlet.

Well what a fantastic day birding teams A and B had.  We totalled 54 birds. (If we logged Merlin hearings it would've been more!) Great to see Rob, Wendy and James again.

Regards

Dave

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Isle of Man

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

11-18 May

Just got back from the isle of man and I'm not .....no, no, that's a different song.   Perhaps start again, Jenny and I have just enjoyed a fabulous 6 days on the isle of man, excluding the flight days either side and instead of the forecasted cloudy and wet we had beautiful weather all week, apart from the final Saturday when we received the continuous light drizzle from around 10 till 5pm.  That said, that particular morning was the best birding! 

Staying in the Sefton Express near the airport we were able to take advantage of the island's travel deal and who would not enjoy free trams, steam trains and bus to here, there and every where giving us the opportunity to cover every corning of this lovely land where we saw not one single piece of litter.  The locals were all very friendly and helpful which also contributed to our most enjoyable break. So, on to the birding where I/we were able to visit some suggested sites.

Very nearby Castletown, the old capital of the country, was productive at low tide where the harbour hosted a pair of Mute Swans, a handful of Mallard and very many Herring Gulls.  The first visit also  produced both Barn Swallow and House Martin plus a Hooded Crow to accompany both Jackdaw and Carrion Crow.  Returning later in the week after touring the castle, where we suddenly had a Swift over our heads, we found a good selection at the mouth of the river resting on the rocks.  Closer attention produced not only the expected Herring Gulls but a pair of Hooded Crows, at least seven Eider Ducks and a Yellow-legged Gull.  Also noted was an Oystercatcher and a single Shag.  In the town itself a few House Sparrows and Starlings.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Taking the steam train from Port Erin to Douglas gave the opportunity to see the open country side which seemed to produce regular sightings on Pheasants and Magpies as well as many of the above.  Indeed, perhaps the most common bird in terms of numbers, excluding the Herring Gulls, seemed to be the Rook.  On a small pool on one piece of land near Ballabeg we even found both a Shelduck and Heron plus seven Greylag Geese.

Pair of Eider Ducks Somateria mollissima 

Three other sites also stand out.  A visit Peel on the western coast not only produced dozens of Eider Ducks plus a few mallards but also our target bird, the Black Guillemot.  On the first visit we were happy to get a sight of an individual but upon our second visit, with the hope of a photograph or two, we eventually recorded 18 individuals in the harbour and many within two to five metres.  Peel also provided the Pied Wagtail along with Mallard, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Barn Swallow, Blackbird, Cormorant and many Eider Ducks.

Rooks Corvus frugilegus with Jackdaw Corvus monedula at rear

Having taken the bus from the airport to Douglas we then rode the tram to Laxey to visit the biggest working water wheel in the world with a diameter of 72 feet. Completing our tour of the site, including a short walk down one of the drifts, led to us taking in the wooded area around the site.  No sooner settle down near the wheel we found Blackcap, Blackbird and Robin with a Cuckoo calling behind us.  Carrying on we then found Wren, Dunnock and Chaffinch along with a number of Woodpigeons and Rooks.  But also a singing Willow Warbler  and Short-eared Owl quartering the field below us.  Interestingly, after our tour of the Laxey works we took the appropriate tram up the mountain to the summit of Snaefell, the highest point on the island.  Difficult to believe that the line was laid in just seven months.

This was our second trip north by tram as on the first occasion we carried on the northern end at Ramsey.  We found this a disappointing town that looked, whilst still clean and without any litter, looking a little run down.  There were no local buses further north but it turns out that the "Connect Service" provides for the need of the smaller local communities.  Explained to us that the mini-buses are more like a shared taxi and you simply ring when you want to go somewhere or return.  Even better, the use of this service was included in our all travel pass for five days!  Naturally, we booked a bus to take us the northernmost part of the island at the Point of Ayre with its lighthouse.   Just one other visitor on board on the outward journey and bus to ourselves on the return, with the friendly driver pointing out sites of interest and even stopping to allow photos to be taken. All the expected birds noted during the rides.

Gannet Morus bassanus

Finally, my favourite birding site on the island, the Sound between the main island and the Calf of Man at the southern tip.  Our first visit immediately produced a small number of Eider Ducks and a handful of Gannets plus the occasional Cormorant passing through the Sound.  Resting on the small island in the Sound a number of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls and around me more Herring Gulls, Carrion Crow and Magpie. In the nearby fields many Jackdaw, Rook and Carrion Crows and then the sight first of a pair of Hooded Crows and a lone Red-billed Chough.  We also saw both Pied Wagtail and Oystercatcher.

Gannet Morus bassanus

A restricted bus service on the Saturday so I arranged to travel on the earlier 8.30 bus to the Sound with Jenny following on an hour later.  The idea was to have an hour checking the birdlife and both of us travel on once more to Peel to find the Black Guillemots (as above). Finally, the very strong winds of the week had died down and as I approached the end of the island to drop down the hill to the Sound a Magpie on my left along with a Pheasant plus a number of Woodpigeons and Herring Gulls.  Once away from the bus at the top of the cliff many more Herring Gulls to be seen along with a handful of Gannets.  The Eider Ducks seemed to be on the water rather than resting on the rocks but there were still many Seals to be seen just off shore and looking around to see what was happening.

Eider Ducks Somateria mollissima 

Taking the opportunity to make use of one of the seats overlooking the cliffs and water, I saw first a Linnet followed by a male Stonechat. Time to move on and decided I would climb the small hill to the east and as I climbed over the stile saw a Raven in front of me.  To their left a couple of Hooded Crow  Now on the top and movement ahead caught my attention and I noted the Meadow Pipit in the grass and heather.

Female Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Back down to the grassy flat above the cliffs and, again, chance to take a rest and watch the bird activity.  A pair of Red-billed Choughs were flying around the cliff accompanied by both a Carrion and Hooded Crow.  A closer look through the bins saw that the birds were harrying a raptor.  Very pale, streaked brown in colour and probably a Buzzard but not acting like one. It eventually came to a rest on a cliff top but only able to take a very distant shot so, just hopefully, somebody out there might like to try and identify for me.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Below me before I caught the next bus north to meet up with Jenny for our Peel visit, Oystercatcher and Shelduck plus Cormorant.  Around the cafe a few House Sparrows and Rooks and Jackdaws as we set off.  At this point the drizzle started and it remained wet all day! Nevertheless, a wonderful week recording 43 identified species plus the mystery raptor.

Mystery raptor - Buzard?

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Eider Duck, Pheasant, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Heron, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black Guillemot, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Short-eared Owl, Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Hooded Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet.

Distant record shot of Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Eider Ducks Somateria mollissima 

Gannet Morus bassanus

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Common Seal?

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Cabo de Gata with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 20 May

Looks like another lovely session for the Arboleas Birding Group down at Cabo de Gata and, once again, lots of good birds, especially the Lesser Yellowlegs.  And also thanks to Nigel for the photo to illustrate the rpeort.

Cabo de Gata  -  Wednesday 20th May

It was a lovely sunny day as Nigel drove Peter (1) and myself south on the E15/A7 motorway towards Cabo de Gata.  We came off at the Retamar Sur exit and commenced the daily bird log. Before reaching the urbanization we'd seen a Jackdaw and a Woodpigeon.  In town we added Collared Dove, House Martin and Barn Swallow. Between there and Pujaire we saw Spotless Starling, Red-rumped Swallow, Magpie and Hoopoe.  Passing through Pujaire we added a House Sparrow.

Fluffy Avocet chick (PHOTO: Nigel White)

As we arrived at the first hide we saw the usual Greater Flamingos on the salina.  Barrie and Beryl had already arrived.  Also present was a Spanish birder.  A mate of his had spotted a Lesser Yellowlegs the previous evening.  And there it was, still there, at the left hand end of the rocky causeway.  Not easy to see at times. Others in the group arrived, Kevin, Trevor, Steve and Carolyn. They all ticked the bird off their list. To many of them, including me, it was a lifer!  We then scanned for other birds. Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Mallard and Shelduck.  Kevin had already seen Common Swift, Slender-billed Gull and Crested Lark.  Barrie picked out Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank and a Yellow Wagtail.  I found two Gull-billed Terns on the causeway and a Yellow-legged Gull.  Kevin spotted a Black-headed Gull. Barrie heard a Zitting Cistacola and then added Greenshank.  Somewhat elated, we headed for the local cafe for a celebratory cup of coffee!

Fluffy Yellow Legged Chicks with parents and Greater Flamingos (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We made our way to the beach opposite the second hide.  A Common Tern flew past.  Far out to sea a fishing boat was surrounded by Yellow-legged Gulls.  Steve, Carolyn and I stayed with the vehicles as the others trundled to the hide.  There, Barrie added a Melodious Warbler.  Also seen were Gull-billed Terns and a Thekla Lark.

   Gull-billed Terns with Black-winged Stilt (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Kevin had reported that the public hide was cordoned off for refurbishment, so we headed to the lighthouse.  As we arrived I picked out three Alpine Swifts circling the lighthouse as were Yellow-legged Gulls.  I then found one of a pair of Black Wheatears on one of the buildings.  With nothing else to see apart from quite a few sightseers, we said our goodbyes.  Heading down the hill to the village a juvenile Peregrine Falcon flew over our car.  Hopefully Barrie and Beryl travelling behind us saw it as well.  Just outside Pujaire I added a Kestrel.  Just before the motorway I spotted an Iberian Grey Shrike.

Well, what a day.  "Only" 35 species seen but there were some crackers in there, especially the Lesser Yellowlegs!

Black Wheatear (PHOTO: Nigel White)

Great company as well!  All the photos are down to Nigel today!

Dave

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Birding Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa with the Arboleas Birding Group

Monday 18 May

Whilst the Arboleas Birding Group were enjoying their visit to  the Rambla de Almanzora and Vera Playa last Wednesday, Jenny and I were enjoying a week's break on the Isle of Man with my birding restricted to access by steam train, tram or bus but, nevertheless, I managed to record 43 species including new sightings of the year of Gannet, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Red-billed Chough and Shag as well as Cuckoo, Eider and Short-eared Owl. On the other hand, we did not see your great sightings of Squacco Heron, Nightingale, Red-rumped Swallow, Audouin's Gull and Red-crested Pochard.  So good sighting all round by the look of things.

The motley crew of the Arboleas Birding Group! (Kevin Borman)

Rambla de Almanzora & Vera Playa: Wednesday 13th May

Another lovely summer's day, sun, clouds and a bit of wind. Nigel picked me and Peter (1) up.  We headed for our local coastline at Villaricos.  We actually didn't see any recordable birds before arriving at the ford (dry and covered in vegetation).  Ab was already there.  He'd logged House Sparrow, House Martin, Spotless Starling, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon and Barn Swallow.  As we listened to some Nightingales singing from the shrubs below us a male Mallard flew over.  We were joined by Kevin who'd done the sewage works walk.  He'd also seen Magpie, Zitting Cistacola, Blackbird, Serin, Little Ringed Plover, and Little Grebe.  He stated there was ongoing works in that area which had been detrimental to the bird's habitat.  We were joined by Trevor, Steve and Carolyn.  Some Red-rumped Swallows flew over.  Kevin added a Common Swift.  A Kestrel was found by Nigel.

Red-crested Pochard (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We headed for the beach where Kevin could actually park with us as he wasn't in his campervan! Unfortunately there were no birds at all to be seen on the harbourside rocks.  A few House Sparrows flew by.   As we were leaving Steve and Carolyn saw a distant Gannet by the fish farms.

Spoonbill (L) with Greater Flamingo (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

Kevin went to this side of the estuary as the rest of us drove round to the far side.  A Grey Heron flew off as we arrived.  Steve and Carolyn spotted a Kingfisher.  They also added some Audouin's Gulls on the sand spit.  A Little and Sandwich Tern were fishing close to the shoreline.  Kevin joined us, but had only seen a Coot that added to our list.

Fledgling Coot...their mother loves them! (PHOTO: Nigel White)

After a cuppa at the Tiburon cafe in Villaricos we drove down to the dual carriageway overlooking the shallow pools opposite the Consum supermarket behind Vera Playa.  Trevor got there first and was very surprised to see a Red-billed Chough having a drink before flying off.  The sightings came rushing in. Black-winged Stilt, Avocet (with fluffy chick), Moorhen, Little Grebe, Mallard, and Greater Flamingo. Kevin was spotter of the day, seeing a single Spoonbill, Kentish Plover, Shelduck, Ruff, Glossy Ibis and Black-necked Grebe.  He also heard a Greenfinch.

Avocet (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

I contributed with a Ringed Plover.  Nigel found a rear facing sleeping wader.  As luck would have it, Barrie and Beryl appeared, having flown into Almeria that morning.  Barrie confirmed the bird was a Green Sandpiper.  Ab found another Kestrel.  (It was about this time I had a text from Jenny, Ab's wife, to say she was having a cup of coffee at their house watching 3 Golden Orioles!  Grrrrh!!)

Squacco Heron...just WOW!! (PHOTO: Nigel White)

We drove round to the elevated viewing platform opposite the Aguaparc.  A lot of the water was covered in blanket weed.  I found some Red-crested Pochard on the water.  A White Wagtail was feeding on top of the weed.  Barrie heard a Reed Warbler.  We then saw two Squacco Herons.  A great sight!  A snake slithered across the blanket weed.

Snake on the blanket weed (Photo: Nigel White)

45 bird species seen.  A great morning of birding in great company!  Wishing Ab and Jenny a safe trip home.

regards

Dave

Kneeling Greater Flamingos (centre) (Photo: Kevin Borman)

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Broxhead Common

Woodlark Lullula arborea

Saturday 9 May 

Up early and away 37 miles north to Broxhead Common near Borden in the far north of Hampshire.  Here I joined 20 other members of HOS along with our guide for the morning, Chairman Keith Betton for the 9am start.  Just the one 2km circuit in beautiful weather and lots of singing birds.

From the start many Garden Warblers and Blackcaps along with Robin, Great Tit, Greenfinch and Chiffchaff. Very soon the first Stonechat and then followed a series of brief sightings of Dartford Warblers. Next up a quartet of Linnet along with Blackbird and a fly past of a trio of Mistle Thrushes which were to be seen again later on n the walk.  Overhead a circling Buzzard and, again, later in the walk a quartet of Buzzards above us.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Continuing over the heath and though small of forested areas we saw the corvids including many Jackdaw, plus Rook, Carrion Crow and Magpie.  A Dunnock was foraging in the nearby bushes.  The sudden finding of a Treecreeper by one of the group was a welcome addition to the species list.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

We had heard both Tree-Pipit and Woodlark, as well as Skylark, and eventually we found a good sighting of a Tree Pipit at the top of a tall tree in front of us.  We even had the typical parachute flight as the bird returned to its former resting point.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Passing through a shady spinney we came across a Woodlark on the path in front us rather than the previous very distant views.  Time for all to get a closer look at the bird and then no sooner on the higher, open ground another Woodlark resting on the wires for many minutes to let all get even better views and photos.

Woodlark Lullula arborea

Al in all a very enjoyable couple of hours in good and experienced company.

Distant record shot of a Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata

Birds seen:

Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Woodlark, Skylark, Tree Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Dartford Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Tree-creeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet.

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