Monday 3rd August 2026: Stone Curlew

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 A brilliant find from Richard Phillips today led to a quick trip out to the field near the Steyning footbridge, where he had somehow spotted a Stone Curlew. When we arrived it was skulking under a thistle, gaining some shelter from the scorching heat. It occasionally moved out into the field a short distance, but was largely staying close to this favoured bush. We had reasonable scope views, although there was some heat haze making it difficult to get a really clear view. But a cracking local bird, and as Minsmere has been damaged by wildfires, making it unlikely we can visit that reserve to target them, this was a satisfying sighting, equalling my best ever annual tally. 

Stone Curlew



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