Trip reports

TRIP TO A WILTSHIRE FARM - SATURDAY, 18th APRIL 2009

Saturday, 18 April 2009

Thick, clinging mud and wellington boots spring to mind when the words "farmland walk" appear on an outings schedule. And so it could have been save for the fact that no significant rainfall had occurred for about three weeks prior to this event, and thus any fears that may have been harboured regarding underfoot conditions proved unfounded on the day.

On this occasion, the Group had been invited to a farm to the west of Salisbury with the principle objective of seeing the fruits of an ongoing Tree Sparrow project. The farmers ensure that seed is provided throughout winter months and nest boxes are provided for additional breeding capacity to supplement natural holes and cavities in trees and farm buildings.

However, before we were to be shown the part of the farm where the Tree Sparrows thrive, we were taken on a walk around the mainly arable and grassland areas of the farm where we saw and heard several Skylarks in full song and saw at least 6 Brown Hares cavorting with much athletic prowess and enthusiastic gusto.

The throaty "cronk-cronk" call of a passing Raven caught our attention; a species steadily increasing in Wiltshire and adjoining counties. Then, suddenly, a joyful burst of calling from a Cuckoo proved to be the first one heard for many of the Group this year. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were in full song from a woodland edge plus all the expected tit species, and Nuthatches. The spring migration theme continued with sightings of Swallows passing steadily overhead in a northwards direction.

Upon returning to the farm buildings, we were asked to watch carefully at several bird seed feeders that were arranged near a thick hedgerow. Sure enough, in no time at all, at least 6 Tree Sparrows could be seen coming and going to the feeders and sharing them with House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, 2 Siskins, and also a few Blue and Great Tits.

A fitting end to a wonderful Spring morning walk by 13 Group members who chalked up an impressive total of 35 species. We shall look forward to seeing the results obtained from the small army of assembled photographers amongst our ranks who clicked away in impressive style at the Tree Sparrows only a few yards away - or should that be meters - no, it shouldn't, it's still yards, I resolutely remain an old money person!


Total bird list:-

Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Common Buzzard, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo (h), Skylark, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Wren (h), Hedge Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush (h), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit (h), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Rook, Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Siskin.

Reported by John Vickerman