Walkshop notes: Lewes Railway Land, June 2021
Five of us gathered under blue skies at The Depot for a walk around Lewes Railway Land.
Despite beginning a few hours after the dawn chorus, the song was strong as soon as we moved into the trees.
The first two of our five target birds, Blackcap and Song Thrush, were both heard quickly, along with the first of many Woodpigeons and Wrens.
A Goldcrest gave a brief ‘needly’ passage of song, and the same or another was found flitting around an ivy-covered tree a few minutes later.
A feature of the morning was the presence of Stock Doves, which repeatedly offered their rhythmic ‘reverse coos’ alongside the Woodpigeons’ throaty five-syllable phrases.
Moving into the heart of the woodland, there was another Blackcap, two Chiffchaffs and Robin, the latter two species giving good views. Blackbird added its mellow notes (plus one of its panicky clatters), several Blue Tits chittered and a Moorhen was observed on its nest.
As we moved into the open land, Goldfinches were suddenly in evidence, constantly tinkling away from around the scrub with one posing on a head of teasel.
The Heart of Reeds quickly gave up the third of our target species, Reed Warbler, with perhaps six or more singing birds proving hard to see at first, but chuntering away all around us. Once we’d found a higher vantage point, adults were observed feeding their young among the reeds, while around the edge Common Whitethroats were visible, though not heard.
As we shifted back toward the woodland, a Cetti’s Warbler gave a few explosive bursts, while remaining characteristically invisible. Next to the railway track a Dunnock timed its sweet warble between trains, as we retraced our steps back to The Depot for coffee and cake.
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This walkshop took place on 12 June 2021.
For upcoming walkshops and other events, check the courses page.
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