Following Storm Imogen there was little peace on the patch this morning, as a notable amount of work was taking place across the site. Near the Rowe Barn Farm lay-by trees were receiving a trim, including a large holly, popular with Woodpigeons and Thrushes for roosting and feeding. Towards Combe Farm a hedgerow was being cleared near a new house - all quite noisy, and seemingly a shame, particularly for the birds. I imagine in 20 years time Thorncombe Street will look rather different.
The regulars were quickly noted on the climb up to the Ridge, including Red-legged Partridges, Ravens and a Red Kite. The Common Gull flock was settled in Thorncombe Park, and 2 Grey Herons flew south. Upon reaching the top I was struck by the apparent lack of Bunting/Finch flock. Obvious and plentiful until today, numbers are clearly on the decline as breeding dispersal commences. Despite this, there was still roughly 15 Reed Buntings, and I was eventually able to pick out at least 2 Bramblings. A male of this species was nearing full summer plumage, further indication that spring is coming.
Little was moving in the sky, though a sole Lesser Black-backed Gull drifted south. Just before I left 4 small birds flew up from the north facing crop, and a couple of "zits" made them Yellowhammers. There have been plenty more of these wonderful Buntings this winter than in 2014/2015. A male and female perched on a hedge for a while as the other 2 headed south-east, possibly to Upper Bonhurst, where I had my other record this year, on 21st January.
Godalming area
In Halsemere, 5 Goosander were at Holdfast Lane, today part of a wintering flock there that's reached up to 8 birds (RF). At nearby Blackdown there was a remarkable record of 2 Jack Snipe, surprisingly the second this year (DB). 17 Crossbills flew over too.
There had been 3 Little Egrets at Unstead Sewage Farm the past 2 days, though none were present today
