The dawn watch this weekend was a really enjoyable event. Despite a steady rain, 17 of us were greeted by a chorus of birdsong at 5.30am. I enjoy teaching birdsong identification and we were able to zone in on many species as well as highlighting some of the “tricksters” like Great Tits which can have so many variants! Although the birdsong was good, it was perhaps a little subdued by the rain, however, when walking in a place as beautiful as Winkworth Arboretum there is always plenty else to see: the flowers and blossom this year have excelled and we were treated to carpets of fragrant blubells, wild garlic, violets and primroses as well striking non-natives like the azaleas! A lovely morning was rounded off with one of Tina’s Full English breakfasts which go down a treat!
Moving from Dawn to Dusk, my next event is the Magnificent Nightingales walk on the 8th May. This 2 hour walk near to Haslemere takes in the “dusk chorus” during which we will learn to recognise many species of bird and also look at the beautiful flowers that abound the area. By 9ish the light will be truly failing and some of the nocturnal wildlife will become evident – we could hear owls and maybe spot fox, deer and maybe badger. However, the walk will culminate with our target species, the Nightingale and if we locate one in a decent position which can just stay and soak up it’s unique song. There are just a few places left for the 8th, but as these songsters will cease singing in a fortnight or so, I will lead a similar walk on the 9th if there is sufficient demand!
Click here to book your place on the Magnificent Nightingales walk!
