Trip reports
Porton Down - Sunday 17th May 2009
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Duly clad in several layers of waterproof winter warmers and wellies, and optimistically believing this was just a brief bad hair moment of mid May which we didn't deserve and which would soon be over, a group of 12 of us duly assembled at the briefing session before our escorted walk on the MOD restricted zone of Porton Down, near Salisbury.
We learned that this is a fine area for the study of the whole range of natural history subjects since at no time have any weed killers, fertilisers or other artificial materials ever been applied to the land. South Wiltshire is blessed indeed to have such an extraordinary habitat.
Suddenly, as we left the briefing session, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Thus heartened, we were led to one of the higher points of the area from where at least 1 pair of Stone Curlews - the major star of Porton Down where nearly 10% of Britain's entire breeding population of this species rear their young - was expected to be seen. In the event, and at the very limit of the capabilities of the high powered modern day birdwatchers' telescopes, 1 pair only was located at a huge distance from our viewing point and well huddled up in the lee of tussocky grass sheltering from the continuing blast of the infernal wind that had shown no sign of abating following the ceasing of the rain. With a hint of imagination and goodwill, identifiable as Stone Curlews, yes - just - but for those amongst us who had never seen Stone Curlews before, was it a satisfactory sighting? A resounding NO!
Whilst thus engaged in searching for nearer Stone Curlews, a Garden Warbler was watched obligingly singing from an exposed bough of a tree and one of a pair of Peregrine Falcons sunned itself on the top of a man-made concrete tower. Despite the sunshine, the high wind discouraged smaller song birds from showing themselves although we did hear occasional bursts of song from Skylarks, Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush.
In addition to the birds, it was anticipated that we would see a good selection of butterflies too. But the combination of below average temperatures and the high wind saw to it that butterflies stayed in cover. The sum total of what we saw was limited to just a single Small Heath which, had it not flown from beneath the heavy feet of one of us, it would surely have ended up with a severe headache at best, and soon buried itself away again in the assumed safety of another dense grassy mound. Porton Down on another day would have been heaving with Common Blues, Small Coppers, Dingy Skippers and others, including the very scarce and localised Duke of Burgundy.
But as the morning progressed, so the sun gradually slid behind more thickening cloud cover. Penetrating drizzly rain commenced at lunchtime, but with gritty determination we set off once more after refreshments, and retreated into the wooded areas to seek refuge from the wind and rain. As a reward, we were shown some fine examples of Birdsnest Orchids and White Helleborines in the leaf litter beneath the Beech trees.
With no let up in the weather by mid afternoon, it was decided to call a halt to proceedings since such weather rendered any further attempts to locate more Stone Curlews on other parts of the Down an utterly futile exercise.
Such visits to Porton Down could never happen but for the generous giving up of time by the small band of dedicated and committed volunteers who escort visiting groups, and on this occasion we pay tribute to David, Phil and Nick who, despite the best efforts of "The Elements", cheerfully and willingly escorted us so as to get the best out of the day as it was possible to do. A shame about the weather, but thanks guys for your great efforts and enthusiasm.
Bird List - 32 Species Recorded
Pheasant, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Stone Curlew, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Robin(h), Blackbird, Song Thrush(h), Mistle Thrush, Common Whitethroat(h), Lesser Whitethroat(h), Garden Warbler, Blackcap(h), Chiffchaff(h), Willow Warbler(h), Coal Tit(h), Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer(h).
Reported by a windswept but unbeaten John Vickerman!