Saturday 21st February: Mile Oak

 After some household chores, we had a late morning start as we set out for a farmland walk, hoping to target some common species which I had not yet seen in W. Sussex this year. With the wearyingly damp and gloomy conditions we’ve experienced of late, the birds were neither abundant nor singing well. However, we gradually gathered some of the regular finches and tits as we progressed along the muddy track, and noted a Red Kite drift over and a Sparrowhawk disappear low across the field.

As we approached the gate, we were surprised to find the Cirl Bunting singing in the exact same spot where we had encountered it two years ago. This was a very pleasing and unexpected find, although we were aware the bird had overwintered in the locality. A Green Woodpecker undulating across the field with a flash of yellow rump was also a welcome sight , as we had heard plenty this year, but  not managed to see one until today.

Cirl Bunting (from previous visit)

As we continued on we could hear many Skylarks singing, but struggled to find any despite repeatedly scanning the skies and land. A rounded lump in a tree morphed into a Corn Bunting as we approached , the first of several encountered, and we later enjoyed their distinctive jangling song. Approaching the set aside pasture, we found a smattering of Chaffinches in the hedgerow, plus a single Fieldfare, schacking loudly as it departed. Scanning across the field, there was a large, mobile flock of Linnets, although the light was atrocious and we could not make out any plumage features. Finally we managed to spot a few Skylarks, with rounded wings fluttering as they dropped into the field and disappeared from view. A flock of around 100 Stock Doves was also noteworthy. 

By now the mizzly low cloud was transitioning to definite rain, so we retraced out steps and rounded off the walk with tea and a delicious panini in the farm cafe.

Corn Bunting