Winter bird arrivals on Black Down (National Trust)

Leader: Paul Nevett (HNHS member)

Marsh Tits and Redpolls were seen in the starting car park by the 12 members who met on a still, cloudy morning with the sun breaking through the clouds. Thanks to the sharp eyes and ears of leader Paul Nevett, a total of 26 species of birds was recorded in a 2 1/2 hour walk through the heathland and woodland edge to the Temple of the Winds and back. There were good views of Redpolls, flocks up to 100, and Crossbills, flocks up to 10, particularly around the tops of mature pine and birch trees. Persistence was rewarded with views of single Dartford Warblers in heathland gorse. Several singles and pairs of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen foraging in trees and two late House Martins were seen flying near the Temple of the Winds. No winter thrushes or Ring Ouzels were located despite searches of berry-laden trees: our leader heard a suggestion of a Ring Ouzel call, but this remained unconfirmed.