NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

  Dank early starts seem to be a theme so far this year in Banstead, this mornings rain doing little to help brighten up an already stygian sky. By the time I'd made the short journey to Canons Farm, a developing brightness in the sky soon gave way to a couple of wintry showers. Undaunted, I donned the wellington boots and braved the muddy interior... The farm was quiet. As any seasoned Canons birder will tell you though, even if the first 19 fields you check are empty, the 20th might just hold the prize. My prize(s) were not of the rare, or even of the scarce, but of several flocks that were, if nothing else, notebook fodder. Highlights of 40 Skylark, 40 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 200 Starling, 210 Chaffinch, 170 Linnet and 3 Yellowhammer can hardly be called shabby though. A tame Dunnock (top) and Blackbird (below) posed for the camera.

Canons Farm was the place of choice this morning, where I teamed-up with Geoff Barter for a long chat and a wide wander around the fields and hedgerows. On first arriving it was obvious that there were a few more thrushes about, with up to a dozen Blackbirds (above), 65 Fieldfares and six Redwings. Other species flocking to get our attention included 40 Stock Doves, 200 Starlings and 100  Linnets. It is pleasing to find that 'our' Yellowhammers are still being site faithful, with four birds (three males) being found. Try as we might there was no summer migrant to remind us of the coming season, but we are patient souls if nothing else.