With reports of Ring Ouzel at Old Winchester Hill and it being a short journey to get there I decided to try this afternoon. From the car park I headed out on the top path towards the hill fort. The view across to the fort was a little different to my last visit here.
A mixed Tit flock and Chiffchaffs were moving around the bushes along the path. On reaching the path to the fort a pair of Ravens flew over honking.
I had been told one had been seen from the field and not as has been reported from the South Downs path. Making my way down there were several Red Kite patrolling the area.
I followed the footpath diagonally down the field and then at the bottom out on to the South Downs way. It was quiet with no birds singing and nothing really showing. I think I would have been pleased to see at least a blackbird, but there were no thrushes at all. I walked around the bushes and along the South Downs way with out any luck.
I finally managed to see a bird in one of the Yew trees, a Chiffchaff.
I picked up a Sparrowhawk coming low over the bushes and then out high over the fields.
I walked around the area listening and did hear the clucking alarm call, but never saw anything that could be attached to it. It was down to watchin the many Red Kites in the area.
Always impressive as they bank an come at you.
It was like looking for a needle in a haystack, there were plenty of berries on the bushes so if they were about then they could keep out of sight. I decided it was just not worth hanging around so started to walk back to the car park. In doing so this Kestrel came over and appeared to be eating a small bird on the wing.
From this angle I think the bird caught and eaten could be either a Skylark or Meadow Pipit.
The Ring Ouzel season has started early, today wasn't successful, but there will be other chances, my money would be on success at Butser Hill later in the month.
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