Missing Birds

There have been recent reports of declining bird numbers, yet the birds mentioned, such as skylarks, and yellowhammers, have bred very successfully here this spring. There have been about six pairs of each in the locality, along with very many finches: including greenfinch, goldfinch, bullfinch and linnet.
However, many of these birds have recently disappeared. This has also happened to the little owls that bred here. I have no doubt that they have simply moved on after the breeding season and I did see a flock of goldfinches yesterday with many 'grey pates', the immature birds.

Two Peregrines

Two peregrine falcons flew over head this morning. One was following close behind the other. They were flying at speed in a straight line with one of them continuously calling as it went. They were heading in a westerly direction which suggests that they were not migrating. They did appear to be flying with a purpose. There are so many wood pigeons around at the moment, as the wheat is being harvested, it would be great if the falcons stuck around to feast on some of them.

Six Red Kites

Driving past Botley Hill Farm today saw six red kites soaring over the fields. It seems that the kite is well and truly established in Surrey.

Goshawk

My dog chased a goshawk off a part eaten rabbit on the slopes of the downs. This is the first time I have seen this hawk in the area. I cannot of course be sure whether it caught the rabbit, of which there are very many on the downs, or, whether it was scavenging. When I distracted the dog and continued the walk, some magpies assembled and were devouring the carcass. The next morning the rabbit5 was gone, but this is hardly surprising given the number of foxes in the area.

Goldfinches on Knapweed

Managed to get some photos of a pair of goldfinches feeding on the seeds of a cultivated knapweed in my garden. A cock bullfinch was seen the next day feeding on the seeds of some violas. These seem to be particularly tiny seeds for a bird with such a relatively large beak.

Fragrant blossoms

Whilst the Mock Orange (Philadelphus) blossoms are engulfing the garden with their fragrance; out on the downs it is the wild Privet that fills the air with its scent. Meanwhile you cannot fail to be entranced by the view of masses of orchids.
A local farmer has seeded the edges of his wheat fields with poppies. It is possible to tell that these have been deliberated placed here as many of the flowers are of the cultivated himalayan type. Their purple contrasts sharply with the deep red of the native plants. They are at their best in the morning and with the current heatwave, they have virtually disappeared by the evening. Some regular dog walkers may not even be aware of the splendid sight they are missing.
Goldfinches and linnets are feeding in the nearby rape field, and although the sowthistle are part of the diet, I have clearly seen both species feeding upon the cultivated plants.

Elusive deer

Despite extensive searches for signs of deer in the neighbourhood of my new home, no slots, or droppings were discovered. Then, this morning, driving down the lane, an adult Muntjac deer caually crossed the road in front of me. They are known to be secretive creatures, but I have xclearly been looking in the wrong places.