29th March 2021: Celebrating Lockdown Freedom

 With the pandemic rules changing, like a bird stretching its wings and soaring into flight, we escaped from our local area to enjoy our first excursion to pastures further afield, with the company of good friends. And what a joyous day we had.

Our destination was the Burgh, near Arundel, an area well know for raptors due to its extensive conservation strips around the field margins. The estate is also managed for shooting as well as agriculture and it is a good spot for partridges too.

We arrived initially at a viewpoint near Burpham Church, where there had been reports of  Cattle Egrets. These were duly picked out through the scopes around the cattle herd, an annual tick but at some distance. However, as we watched I noted some large raptors in the distance which we quickly identified as two White-tailed Eagles. These have been reintroduced on the Isle of Wight by the Roy Dennis foundation and have been regularly seen in the area over the last couple of weeks. As we watched they soared towards us, showing  a huge wingspan. Both birds were juveniles, looking rather scruffy with moulting plumage, but very wide wings. At one point they were bombed by a Buzzard, which looked tiny in comparison.

The birds put on a spectacular show for us, coming in very close and soaring past, then banking back round before floating again into view at close range. At one point both birds landed in a tree right in front of us. After a short rest, they flew up again,  one carrying a chunky stick in its mouth, which it then dropped to the ground. We speculated at the possibility of practising skills for nest building. After about 5 minutes they drifted off to the distance, leaving us all blown away by such an incredible encounter. A real ‘Wow’ moment that uplifted us all. We have seen this species overseas, but this was the best experience we have had, and I’m sure will stay in our memory as a lifetime birding highlight.

Continuing our circuit round, Red Kites were abundant, an increasingly common species locally, but always delightful to see with their graceful flight and glorious colouring. A ringtail Hen Harrier skirted the hedgerow and we watched it work along the field margin before disappearing from view. A Kestrel was also seen and Ravens were plentiful, cronking in flight, with one bird making a noteable barking call as it sat in a treetop.

Red Kite

On the ground we managed to locate both Grey and Red legged Partridge, scurrying in and out of cover, drawing attention to their presence with their soft calls. A single Yellowhammer was noted and at least 6 Lapwing were displaying over the fields with their evocative ‘peewit’ call.

This was a fabulous day out in glorious sunshine to celebrate our new found freedom. Tomorrow Ashdown Forest...