Warm conditions and a light north-westerly led to some overhead movement of gulls. Hearing a Mediterranean Gull call drew attention to two stunning adults amid a high northbound flock of Black-headed Gulls. This represents the third record for CFBW. Five Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Common Gull and several hundred Herring Gulls also moved overhead. A tight and purposeful flock of some 200 Starlings which headed north-east will also have been migrants. A little more sporadic now, with recent sightings probably involving waves of transitory birds, 30 Fieldfares and 10 Redwings were around the farm. The thermals tempted 14 Common Buzzards and three Sparrowhawks to rise up, a couple of the former indulging in display. Six Meadow Pipits bounced around Owl Meadow and 120 Linnets buzzed around the fields on the west side.
The Banstead Woods sector received our first Chiffchaffs of the year, with five singing males counted. A Canada Goose was heard flying by, a Pied/White Wagtail flew over and a Tawny Owl called briefly. Two Siskins and nine redpolls were also seen, while other woodland bird counts in the sector included six Treecreepers.
Two Small Tortoiseshells flitted around the Watchpoint and there was much Common Frog activity again at Piddly Pond.
David Campbell, Linda Mount and Ian Pratley
