Long day! Meadow cut in record time. Plenty of anthills exposed. Here’s hoping for a Wryneck tomorrow morning. (Taken with Instagram)

Sunset over Tice’s Meadow, 1st July 2012.

Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) at Tice’s Meadow, Surrey. 1st July 2012.

22nd June 2012

Another busy week at work draws to a close. Never in my five years in this job can I remember having to deal quite so much with such unseasonable conditions, but I shan’t complain. The weather situation did improve marginally for the summer solstice itself though, this year a day earlier (Wed 20th) owing to the leap year. The occasional spells of warm sunshine this week were enough to coax out the first Meadow Brown and (very late!) Small Tortoiseshell butterflies of the year in the garden, and the first Mullein moth caterpillar was spotted munching away on its namesake plant in one of the borders. Ornithologically speaking, the highlight of the week was undoubtedly the five Red Kites that circled high over the garden before drifting southeast on Monday lunchtime. Other observations this week included singing Whitethroat and Garden Warbler along the southern boundary, Stock Dove nesting in one of the chestnut trees along the northern fenceline, and at least a dozen Mistle Thrush in the horse fields adjacent to the garden, many of which were juveniles. In other news, I have submitted my first article for a local newspaper, so I’ll keep you posted on a publication date for that!

Matt

My local patch is Tice’s Meadow on the outskirts of Aldershot. Once part of a still active quarry, Tice’s Meadow is just across the Blackwater River (county boundary) from the town so it counts as Surrey, despite Aldershot itself being in Hampshire. The habitat is a mixture of a large open meadow, disused gravel pits and silt ponds, and scrubby woodland and hedgerows. Perfect for all sorts of birds and wildlife! I try and get down there once a week if possible so, finding myself with a spare couple of hours, I decided to head down yesterday evening to have a wander around…

To the eastern side of the meadow there is an imposing fence, shielding the working quarry. Entering the path that runs through the reserve from this end, I had a quick scan across the ‘workings’ before heading further down the path. As I continued walking, I saw a small bird flying from the fence down to the path and back. I got it in the scope, expecting a Robin or perhaps a Reed Bunting, but I was surprised to see a female/immature type Black Redstart! I was sure this must be a first record for the site (which indeed it was, as I later found out) so, after taking a few rushed phone to scope record shots, I phoned a friend (Chris Tarrant would be proud, I’m sure) but unfortunately the bird was flushed by dog walkers just as he arrived at the other end of the path, and it flew northeast over the trees. A short while later a small, darkish bird was seen to fly back into the same area and then into the old quarry workings, although I can’t be 100% certain it was the same bird.

Still, a lovely bird to see on the local patch, and a very unexpected Sunday evening treat!

Birding or…err, cowing?!
I stopped for a breather at Stoke Meadows earlier and soon became aware of being watched. I turned round to find this beautiful creature watching me, soon to be followed by the rest of the herd! #birding #cows

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) on bramble in Surrey, 7th June 2012. Taken on Samsung Galaxy SII.

New life. I adore this time of year; there seems to be some new flower opening, new birds singing or, in this case, new leaves unfurling (hawthorn pictured) with each dawn. Spring has most definitely sprung!

Crossbill pair take a break from nest-building at Thursley Common, 25th March 2012.

Tice’s Meadow sunset, 11th March 2012.