Reports, with Bird Lists, of our Meetings, Walks and Outings

Details:

On a rather windy morning, ten of us made our way up a badly potholed road to the Berkshire Downs at Starveall.

We walked along a track to see Whitethroats, Chaffinch, Robin and Re-legged Partridge. Returning via another path and field margin we saw Yellowhammer, Swallow and Chiffchaff, plus a Hare in the next field.

Returning to the cars at about 11:30, one of the members thought we might see Stone-curlew if we decided to go about three miles to Churn Lane in Compton. So we did, along another potholed road. It was not advisable to bring a car with a low exhaust on this trip.

Not only did we see a Stone-curlew, there were two Curlews in the next field and a Corn Bunting on a nearby fence. The wind became stronger so we decided to go back to the cars. On the way back down the rough road we stopped to view a Lapwing with two chicks.

We would like thank Ian for taking us to see the Curlew and the Stone-curlew.

Click Here to see our photos from the trip

Berkshire Downs.                                OS SU544810    Lat/Long 51.5255, -1.2172
Meet at 9:30 am.  On-verge parking near Starveall, north-west of Aldworth.  About 150 Metres north-west of RG8 9TX.

Click here for a map of the on-road car parking location. 

No facilities.  Rough footpaths.  Rolling country.  At least a two mile walk.

Walk the Ridgeway Trail, with views over the Vale of White Horse and the Hampshire downs. Mainly arable land, with some grassland.

Expect to see raptors, yellowhammer and corn bunting. Very good for butterflies.

Look for linnet, meadow pipit, grey partridge, spotted flycatcher, warblers, skylark, yellow wagtail, owls, or even stone curlew or quail. Jackdaws, rooks and crows will be harder to miss.