Thursley Common NNR (21 July 2026)

Six members joined me on this postponed walk looking for birds and dragonflies at this lovely heathland site. 

Unsurprisingly in view of the time of year, birds weren’t easy to locate and because of the hot, dry weather some of the wet and boggy areas had dried out. As a result, we struggled a bit! We were pleased however to spot a rather skulking Dartford Warbler almost as soon as we reached the site but this and another later were the only two that showed. Stonechats were as ever obliging and spotted in various places, one youngster being fed by its parent.  We stopped for a party of Goldfinches and could hear Linnets as well.

Two separate Kestrels were on the wing, one mobbing a Red Kite. As we walked, we saw Common Lizards basking on the boardwalk and enjoyed some Heather flowering a little early. Clare pointed out two species of the carnivorous Sundew in the boggy areas. The most common dragonfly we encountered was Keeled Skimmer, the more obvious male an attractive powder blue.  A very dark Four Spotted Chaser was hard to identify and the only one we saw. There was also our largest dragonfly, the striking Emperor along with Black-tailed Skimmer and Common Blue Damselfly. Black Darters were also present. In the wetter area were several Teal, a Little Grebe and a Pied Wagtail, and flying above the water we were treated to a Hobby hawking insects, arguably our best bird sighting.

by Diana Housley

Birds

Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Dartford Warbler, Goldfinch,  Great Spotted Woodpecker, Hobby, Kestrel, Linnet, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Red Kite, Robin, Stonechat, Teal, Wood Pigeon.

Dragonflies

Black Darter, Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Blue Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Four Spotted Chaser, Keeled Skimmer.