Tidgrove Warren Farm near Kingsclere, Hampshire

 Saturday 4 July

Three weeks to the day since my "hearty hiccup" followed by the broken back discovered a week later (cracked vertebrae but not dislodged) and the one HOS (Hampshire ornithological Society) mee that I have looked forward to for the past two to three months or more.  Visitors to our home, a couple of shorts outings taken by Jenny driving but, on the other hand, no pain-killers taken for 5 days and everything seems to be on the mend.  But should I attend the field meeting at Tidgrove Warren Farm near Kingsclere to the north of the county?  With water already in the car and a further three bottle from Jenny I decided I would try and allowed myself plenty of time so need ned to hurry and a final message to Jenny to say I would be home somewhere between 10am and 1pm.  Sensible enough to know if the driving was too much then simply turn round and return home.

HOS members all set for off in search of the Stone Curlews

Hardly any traffic about on either the M3 or A34 and that I did meet rapidly overtook so giving me a leisurely drive and arriving onsite just after 9am. Time for more drink before meeting the those already present where coffee and biscuits on hand and Woodpigeons, House Martin, and Barn Swallow overhead with a Moorhen on the other side of the large pond.  Nearby, both Chiffchaff and Linnets.  Eventually, following an introduction the breeding Stone Curlews on site from our Chairman, Keith Button we set off on an anti-clockwise circuit of the area with a stop near the a nesting pair.  We had been warned that once we rounded the corner we would likely have no more then fifteen seconds to see the sitting bird move away from her stony scrape but once well beyond and above the site a good chance to get views of at least one of the Stone Curlews using scopes.  And so it proved albeit, on this occasion no Stone Curlew present but a quartering Kestrel flying very low over the field.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus at nest (PHOTO: Keith Betton)

As we made our way down the slope towards a created pool area to attract small waders a Mallard made a hasty departure and once on the other side climber a little higher to try and find the Stone Curlews.  One distant individual quickly found and later a second.  Many lucky folk managed to get a digi shot of the bird through Keith's Scope but not me.

Very distant Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Whilst in the area we had a number of Skylarks and Yellowhammers close to hand along with a long-staying Corn Bunting, albeit at a distance and partly obscured by leaves.

Record shot of Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

Above us a continuous display by at least three Red Kite along with distant Marsh Harriers on the skyline and then a solitary Buzzard off to our left.  And, once again, our friendly Kestrel put in an appearance.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Having moved to the top of the ridge and made a left turn we stopped to admire the ruins of the previous Hunting Lodge of King Henry 11. The build was eventually demolished by King Richard III and materials used to build/repair the local church at Kingsclere.  However, whilst undertaking archialogical digs organised by Southampton University, a large key to the wine cellar was discovered and is still kept by the present owner, Raleigh  Place.  (But no wine!)  Raleigh also added that other monarchs to stay  at the lodge included King John John and, I believe, Henry III.

Site of Henry II's Hunting Lodge

Whilst overlooking the site and being observed ourselves by the passing Red Kites we also managed to find a third Stone Curlew, albeit, again, very distant and best seen seen through the scope.   At this point I made an early exit to walk slowly back to the car having probably stayed longer than I intended.  I continued to be accompanied by a Red Kite or two and once near the highest point good views and song from another Yellowhammer.

A most enjoyable morning and well worth the occasional slight discomfort.  I'm sure we, almost forty, members had a thoroughly good time in good company and so well led by our Chairman, Keith Betton.  Special thanks must also be made to our host, Raleigh Place.  No ton only for permitting and welcoming us to his home but also the additional support e offered to any needing car assistance; a most kind and generous man to a fault.

Distant preening Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

Birds seen:

Mallard, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Stone Curlew, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Ban allow, House Martin, Skylark, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting.

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