Whilst scanning the mixed finch flock on Quail Field, Ian Magness was treated to a flypast by a Short-eared Owl (08.50hrs), which slowly made its way NW before going to ground close to Canons Farmhouse. Here it was picked up in flight by Duncan Jennings, who was able to obtain photographs before the bird was lost to sight (09.30hrs). Subsequent searching drew a blank. This is the fourth Canons Farm record. Also gracing the skies was a Red Kite, over Bog Field.The finches are still present in good numbers, with at least one Brambling still on show.
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| Short-eared Owl, near Canons Farmhouse, 16/03/16 (Duncan Jennings) |
Canons Farm: 1 GREY HERON (going E at 9:30am), 6 MALLARD (Canons Res), RED KITE (over Bog Field at 11:22am), 2 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL (♂), 6 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Legal & General), 5 COMMON GULL (Legal & General), 1 SHORT-EARED OWL (over Quail Field, heading N at 09.50hrs. 69th species recorded this year), 2 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET, GREEN WOODPECKER, 15 STOCK DOVE (Tart's Field), 8+ SKYLARK, 3 LONG-TAILED TIT, PIED WAGTAIL, 50+STARLING (Legal & General), 75+ REDWING (mostly Chipstead Meadow), SONG THRUSH, 10 FIELDFARE (Legal & General), 2 MISTLE THRUSH (Legal & General), 3 ROOK (Infront George Field),1 GREENFINCH (Quail Field), 5+ GOLDFINCH, 80+ LINNET (most in Quail Field), 1 BRAMBLING (♀ - Quail Field), 500+ CHAFFINCH (Quail Field), 20+ YELLOWHAMMER (Broadfield / Reeds Rest Bottom)
Observers: Geoff Barter, Paul Goodman, Duncan Jennings, Ian Magness
