The day was forecast to be cloudy with sunny spells with a
temperature reaching 22c. I considered my raptor watching options that were within easy driving
distance from my home. I passed two (Epsom Downs and Canons Farm) on the way to
my destination Holmethorpe Country Park.
The next task was to find a suitable watch point giving good
views of the surrounding hills and any potential flyway that would be used by passing
birds. I started out at Mercers West and pitched my tent on Spynes Mere where
the local Buzzards were using good thermals to spar with each other.
I thought there would be a very good chance of a Red Kite as
conditions seemed perfect and these days they seem to be everywhere in the
South East. The wait was not in vein as a single bird drifted over Mercers Farm
towards the path that separates Mercers West and Spynes Mere. In a matter of
twenty seconds the bird had passed and glided out of view. This was my first
Red Kite at this site having been in the wrong place on a couple of previous
visits when Kites had passed over.
The remainder of the time was spent watching the local
Buzzards perform. I have taken pictures of several birds and with three seen in
the sky at one time, a pair and some singles I put a conservative figure on 5
birds in total during my vigil.
Late afternoon I did venture to Water Colours recording a site total of 56 species including Swift 6, House Martin 8, Swallow 9, Cetti’s
Warbler, Bullfinch female, Reed Bunting, Lesser Black Backed Gull. The Egyptian
Goose and Mallard were seen with chicks.
I am not certain there is a Holmethorpe Blog anymore or if
someone is collating sightings so I will add this area to my Birdtrack site
list as I am sure I will be back at some point in the future.
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