Wednesday 9th October 2024: Kithurst Hill

A quick visit to Kithurst Hill this afternoon in search of Grey Partridges, which we have failed to find so far this year at other likely sites. We parked at the top of Chantry Hill and set off along the South Downs Way, and after a dreary morning it was good to be out and enjoying some warm autumn sunshine; the rolling hills and backdrop of the sea looking resplendent bathed in late afternoon light.

We had only travelled a short distance when we discerned the distant sound of Grey Partridge, and standing quietly, we gradually heard them approaching nearer and nearer.  Our patience was rewarded when a covey of four partridges slowly emerged from the field edge conservation strip. As Tim reached for his camera, the gentle rustle of his coat was enough to cause alarm, and they stopped on full alert, heads raised to listen intently, before gradually melting silently into the dense vegetation. As we progressed along the path, another party of three birds flushed from the field and disappeared from sight. 

Fully satisfied with finding our target bird, we continued along the track, and soon reached the restored dewpond, which was a hive of activity. I remember in the early days of enjoying this walk, around twenty years ago, this was a great location for passerines, but the pond dried out and the birds dispersed, so it was great to see this habitat restored and once again acting as a magnet for birds. In the surrounding scrub and pond edges, we enjoyed great views of Corn Buntings, Linnets, Goldfinches, Reed Buntings and a single Song Thrush. Stonechat were plentiful here too, and also abundant along the fence line as we continued onwards.

Several Red Kites were seen, hovering and foraging low over the fields, together with a Buzzard and we had several enjoyable encounters with a Kestrel. Red-legged Partridges were at the edges of the stubble fields and flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches intermittently floated up into the sky, before descending and melting away again. In the hedgerows, a few Chaffinches and a couple of Yellowhammers shared snatches of song, briefly alighting on the bushes, before flying on. A few bouncy hares were also seen lolloping energetically across the landscape.

Overhead, a smattering of Swallows and House Martins were on migration, swooping low over the fields for a late afternoon insect snack as they passed.

We returned to the car in good spirits, fully restored by a superb afternoon in the company of nature at its finest.

Grey Partridge