Fridy 21st August 2026: Chantry Hill

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 We discovered last week that Sue had never been to Chantry Hill, so took a walk up there this morning, Initially it appeared fairly quiet, with a hint of an autumnal nip in the air perhaps reducing activity, and certainly the chill was a shock to the system for us after weeks of sweltering weather!

As we approached the dewpond things began to improve, with a beautiful golden Yellowhammer highlighted by the morning sun,  glinting  at us from a berry laden bush. A flock of Linnets meandered across chirruping noisily. On the pond were a family of endearing duckings about a week old, and in a nearby bush a female type Kestrel perched on a leafy bush.

Kestrel

Passing some agricultural fields, Tim managed to morph a couple of lumps of rock in the stubble into Grey Partridge hunkered down. Overhaed a Red Kite drifted lazily across and a pair of Ravens crooked across the valley. Kestrels were everywhere, with at least six seen, seemingly hovering over every field we passed.

Grey Partridge

On our return leg, we discovered Corn Buntings perched in the trees beside the dewpond.

Our trip tally was 25 species, not bad for a leisurely morning stroll in good company.

Yellowhammer

Mallard Duckling



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