Monday 10th August 2026: Migration hunting on the Monarchs Way

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At this time of year, any downland walk offers the prospect of migrating birds passing through and pausing their journeys to feed up on the hedgerows, where berries are plentiful or to search for insects amongst the fields.

Late this afternoon along the Monarchs Way SE of Beeding Hill we observed a group of at least three very mobile Whinchats plus a number of smart Wheatears, perched very visibly on fence lines alongside resident Stonechats and Linnets. There were few warblers seen, these possibly more active in the morning, when we were busy with visitors.

Brushing by the close scrub along the Monarchs Way track, we were putting up clouds of butterflies, mostly Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers feeding on the bramble, but many Clouded Yellows patrolling the path was a delightful bonus. 




Whinchats

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