Richmond Park (12 April 2023)

10 members came out on a blustery but dry April morning. Reports of uncommon birds in Holly Lodge Paddock were decisive in choosing a route and we were not too be disappointed.

As we gathered outside Pembroke Lodge, a Red Kite swooped low in front of Sidmouth Wood. Chiffchaff and Blackcap were heard in P.L. Gardens and as we skirted Conduit Wood a Sparrowhawk flew over our heads. This or others were to be seen twice again later. I pointed out ‘Sir David Attenborough’s Oak’ as we headed to Holly Lodge Paddocks. In the paddocks, one of the said uncommon birds, a male Ring Ouzel, was seen by all but no Wheatears were found. Hawthorn Valley revealed the usual finches, and close views of a mouselike Treecreeper, but the vocal Blackcap could not be found. As we headed to the Cattle Enclosure a Swallow passed through making good use of the high winds on his journey North. What for many was the Star Bird of the walk, a Little Owl, was seen briefly before popping back into its nest hole. He or she didn’t fancy staying out with the foreboding clouds approaching. Buzzards were omnipresent and, as we left the Sidmouth Wood Driftway, a Red Kite swooped down close by to pluck some nesting material from the ground.

Staying dry was a big plus point in a changeable week and the variety of birds seen was another.

by Rebecca Dunne