16th March 2017

The highlight of another fine spring day was a Red-legged Partridge as it hurtled over Ruffett Meadow. This CFBW rarity is roughly annual in occurrence and early spring is the prime time to find one. Other migrants at the farm included three Chiffchaffs, four Meadow Pipits, three redpolls, three Siskins, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 110 Redwings and 24 Fieldfares. Singles of Cormorant and Grey Heron flew over, as did three Mallards. A Little Owl was showing in Bog Field, a Collared Dove flicked across the fields and a Pied Wagtail was feeding in the Legal & General car park. 

The south side of Banstead Woods produced a further five redpolls and three Chiffchaffs of note. Six Common Buzzards and three Sparrowhawks kettled up together over the Chipstead Valley.

Singletons of Comma and Brimstone were seen at the Harholt Plantation, while one each of Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell were out at the farm.

Chiffchaff
adult Grey Heron
Fieldfare and Redwings
Common Toothwort along Slangs

David Campbell (photos 1-3), Ian Magness (photo 4) and Linda Mount