Horned Lark and Hawfinches (31 January-4 February 2018)

Sunday 4 February. DB, JK and I took advantage of a decent day and started at Capel just into Surrey off the A24. Here after some searching we saw at least 19 rather flighty and secretive Hawfinches and those of us with good ears heard a few more. Also 2 superb male Siskins. We returned to West Sussex seeing 3 Red Kites and a Dartford Warbler at Lavington, Dartford Warbler and 3 Ravens at Ambersham, Red Kite, 4 Ravens and 9+ Hawfinches at Heyshot Down and Red Kite and a Marsh Harrier from Greatham Bridge. A nice day out.

Hawfinch at Capel, Surrey

Saturday 3 February. Cookie and I braved poor weather at Widewater seeing the red-head Goosander and a Kingfisher. Nothing was seen on the Adur.

Kingfisher at Widewater

Friday 2 February. Megan, Cookie and I walked a circuit from Chantry Hill to Lee Farm and back seeing Red Kite, 5 Red-legged Partridges, a singing Mistle Thrush, 34 Ravens (easily my best count) and 16 Corn Buntings.

Wednesday 31 January. I went up to Staines Reservoir (my fiorst visit in years) and saw the Horned Lark, initially in pouring rain. Although the South Basin was quite calm 4 Goldeneye were the only birds of note I saw on it. Later an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the Adur and a North Thames Herring Gull flew off before it could be read.

rather wet Horned Lark at Staines Reservoir

Mediterranean Gull, entrance stage left

Super Blue Blood Moon from our front door, behind a vewry thin layer of cloud and with little sign of any blood