Friday 7th March: Lord’s Piece and Burton Mill Pond

 We’ve done lots of local walks over the last week, since returning from grandparenting duties in Shropshire, but with no other commitments today, we ventured further afield, starting at Lord’s Piece a small heathland reserve near Petworth. As soon as we got out from the car we could hear the melodic tones of a Wood Lark singing, our target species here. However, it took us well over an hour before we managed to actually spot the bird! We found it tricky to pinpoint the sound, so wandered up and down various paths in vain, before I finally spotted it in a central tree, tucked against the branches near the top of the canopy. We edged a little closer to confirm the identification and after a few minutes it flew down towards another bird on the ground, before landing in a helpful position on a nearby conifer.

Wood Lark

With that job done, we continued on our way towards Burton Mill Pond. There wasn’t much of note, but it is a lovely varied walk, in a beautiful setting. On the pond were plenty of Tufted Duck and a Great- crested Grebe. In an adjacent vineyard we spied a Mistle Thrush perched on the ground between the vines, and a little further on a Marsh Tit showed fleetingly but well. 

Marsh Tit

By the weir, a pair of Grey Wagtails, flicked their tails and called cheerily. Several raptors were seen, including Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel, plus a Sparrowhawk, with barred tail which flew directly overhead, with a smaller unidentified bird in hot pursuit. Not a massively birdy day, but a very enjoyable one nevertheless.