It’s certainly been an interesting time in the Parish in the past week. Migrants have been taking advantage of the recent southerly winds, so some of the breeding migrants such as Nightingales, Cuckoo, Swallows, House and Sand Martins have all been seen. There are lots of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps while Reed and Sedge Warblers have been recorded, as have Common and Lesser Whitethroats and I heard at least 3 of the latter between Berets Cafe and the heronry yesterday. Speaking of the heronry, I counted 6 Little Egret nests yesterday with at least 3 Grey Herons as well. In addition, a couple of Cattle Egrets have been around as has a Great White Egret. It looks like the 4 remaining White-fronted Geese have finally departed.

A number of more unusual birds have turned up which has attracted birders from as far away as Dorking, a chap who I met on the Downslink yesterday. Top of the rarities were the 2 Black-necked Grebes which were around for a couple of days while a Garganey lasted longer but was quite difficult to find! A Wood Sandpiper was seen yesterday by whom I don’t know nor do I know who reported a Hen Harrier along the Millstream. Also, a report of a Grasshopper Warbler along the Millstream appeared on the SOS website a few days ago. The Dorking Birder said he had also seen a Swift,.

Our garden has been treated to a very colourful five finch feast over the last week. Gold, Green and Chaffinches are the daily visitors but over last weekend we had a very colourful pair of Siskins then on Sunday and Monday a pair of Bullfinches visited the feeders.

Mike Russell, 19th April 2024