Morning bird song, Martin Down

On a very clear and cool June morning I was joined by two enterprising people to explore the possibilities of Martin Down habitat.

On opening the car door I was surprised to hear three Skylark already in song although it was still dark. They stopped shortly afterwards but sang again later and were joined by between twenty and thirty others over the course of the morning. Two Nightjar were also an unexpected addition, one calling from the bushes by the car park and the other from across the A354.

More Skylark orchestrated the sky as a burnished disc appeared, creeping above the eastern horizon. The sky was lit by a suffused radiance as Blackbird then Robin, Wren and Blackcap joined the growing chorus.

Male Cuckoo called followed by Song Thrush, Yellowhammer, the scratchy rattle of Whitethroat was succeeded by Stonechat with the inevitable warning clacks, Meadow Pipits tried competing with the Skylarks and a Buzzard was seen floating off to prospect for breakfast. Chaffinch chinked from the wooded areas with a raucous background of Jackdaw, Rook and Carrion Crow.

A Linnet singing from a tall Gorse bush had me confused as I didn’t recognise the song but the visual I.D was unquestionable.

The quip quip quip of a Quail was unexpected and a welcome addition to the day’s list.