Greenham Common 14th June 2026

The last Vale of White Horse outing for the 2025/26 season was an evening visit to Greenham Common on Sunday 14th June, in particular to look for Nightjar and Woodcock:

It was great to see so many guests among the fifteen who assembled at Greenham Common at 8.00 this evening in search of Woodcock and Nightjar. We looked without success for Dartford Warbler and, although two Merlin apps suggested the presence of Woodlark we couldn’t be sure.

By 9.30 the “seen or heard” list stood at Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Blue Tit, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Wren, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Swallow.

We gathered expectantly at a known site as darkness fell and were first treated to Woodcock flying back and forth above our heads, then with increasing frequency. We then heard the familiar churring of at least two nightjars – there may have been three. After a little while we had the first sighting – a brief flypast – and on at least two further occasions we had good views immediately above us and a stunning, if brief display by a male bird showing the white flashes on his wing. Bats were also noted and a persistent barking Muntjac added to the soundtrack.

If you were in the group do let us know of any birds you recorded which are not listed above.