Trip reports

Thursley Common

Hobby RSPB Images

Saturday, 20 June 2009

Ten of us met up for the group's annual afternoon walk round the heathland at Thursley Common. It was a still, overcast day, with occasional sun and light showers. On our way along the boardwalks over the bog, there were hobbies flying, curlews were often up and calling, and we saw a total of ten different dragonfly species. We also came across several common lizards basking on the board walk's planks. In a wooded area we had great views of tree pipits and woodlarks, including a woodlark foraging on the ground. After a bit of searching, we also found a male redstart.
After pub grub, we headed for Hankley Common close by. As the day light faded, we finished with several nightjars chirring and in flight. We also had a great view of one perched on an exposed branch.
We had a total of 29 bird species in the day - a modest list, but a worthwhile one.