Woodcock in the murk



Another calm, mild, grey and murky day here in north Surrey. The birdlife across Walton Downs (above) was largely as anonymous as the weather, although I did flush a Woodcock from a strip of woodland - species number 106 for the 'mini-uber patch' year list (111.5% of the target). This may even be enough to give Mr. Sexton and his Northumbrian list a bit of a run for his money.

The Woodland Trust have been busy, planting up a further field with saplings for the Millennium Wood project, along with the erection of a bench that neatly conveys the reserves aim of commemorating all those who fell during World War One.


Comments

Simon Douglas Thompson said…
I like the Focker Eindecker on the bench
19 December 2016 at 12:43
Steve Gale said…
Aircraft identification (of any vintage) is beyond me Simon
19 December 2016 at 12:52
Mick Lacey said…
Hopefully the tree planting won't affect any of your beloved arable weeds Steve?
19 December 2016 at 21:22
Steve Gale said…
Well Mick, thereby hangs a tale. The arable weeds had survived because a wide strip was left around the field edges because shooters had rights over the land and put down pheasants. This reduced grasses and allowed the rare plants to survive. Now the shooters have gone, the strips have largely gone and grasses have taken over. It doesn't look good...
19 December 2016 at 22:07
Dylan Wrathall said…
That beautiful bench does, indeed, make a statement about the Millennium Wood Project - it's a superb piece of furniture and does justice to the cause. As for the id of the planes depicted, like you Steve, I wouldn't have a clue?
19 December 2016 at 23:06
Steve Gale said…
We're better off sticking to birds and fish Dyl!
20 December 2016 at 08:19
Factor said…
Happy birthday Steve!
20 December 2016 at 14:20
Steve Gale said…
Thanks Neil. Time marches onward...
20 December 2016 at 17:08
Mick Lacey said…
What a shame Steve, but I suspected that might be the case. I suppose rows of saplings are easy conservation compared to arable weeds which need annual disturbance. Great Blog by the way.
20 December 2016 at 17:52
Steve Gale said…
Thanks Mick. The arable weed situation is not yet catastrophic, but is certainly uncertain.
20 December 2016 at 18:36
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