BOC/NDOC Field Meeting on Compton Downs, 8th June 2022

Members from the two clubs met at Starveall, west of Aldworth, for an evening walk along the track to Roden Down and back. Some eighteen members set out on a lovely, sunny, clear evening with a fresh south westerly breeze. This didn’t help my hay fever though, with all the grass pollen in the air at this time of year. Several Red Kites and a few Buzzards hung in the breeze over the large fields of wheat and barley. The breeze kept the passerine activity subdued but eventually several of the expected species were seen; such as Yellowhammers, Skylarks and Corn Buntings. A pair of Stone Curlew were picked out at about a kilometer distance, standing in a large square of bare ground “cut out” within a wheat crop. These squares provide a suitable habitat for Stone Curlews to breed. With the very clear air and sunlight, viewing conditions were perfect for seeing the birds at this range, through scopes. A juvenile was also picked out alongside the two adults. A slight detour from the Ridgeway allowed for a closer view of the Stone Curlews, providing more detail, albeit still at half a kilometer distance! We were also able to pick out Grey Partridge, which were heard calling later in the evening.

Further along the Ridgeway a bare strip of land allowed for good views of Hare and Stock Doves. When we reached Roden Down we heard distant Quail singing to the south of us, which became louder as we walked west. We were distracted by a Barn Owl which flew over the track at close range giving superb views. It hunted in the fields either side of the Ridgeway and further along the track was joined by another Barn Owl. They were both successful as we saw both pass over us carrying small rodents. Meanwhile, on further listening to the Quail we determined that its song was oddly truncated. There was zero chance of seeing the Quail of course. However, as were turned around to retrace our steps, a second Quail was heard singing nearby with the more familiar song.

As the sun went down some members made their way back to their cars, while the rest stood around quietly, hoping to see a Long-eared Owl, a species that usually only appears when it’s nearly too dark to see them. It wasn’t to be our lucky night though, but we did hear two juvenile Tawny Owls calling fairly close to us. As we made our way back to the cars, a scarce plant, Spiked Star of Bethlehem, was pointed out to me. I was really pleased to view it under the torch light of my phone!

Andy Tomczynski