Thursley

Twenty-four hours in England should in theory mean a reasonable chance for birding, but subtracting reasonable check-in times and driving time from winter daylight hours doesn’t leave to much.

In the end, we opted for Thursley in the evening. The Great Grey (Northern) Shrike was cooperatively perched on snags on top of Shrike Hill, and gave us reasonable looks, albeit at distance and into the setting sun. Heading down the other side, we heard Woodlarks singing, and while trying to get a decent look, saw a Hen Harrier briefly before it went behind the tree line.  A large, long-tailed raptor doesn’t leave too many options here – basically harriers or kite, and seeing black tips on grey wings and a darker head contrasting with a lighter breast settled me on Hen Harrier – a lifer if you allow the split (e-bird doesn’t), but a new UK bird either way!  Three great birds in an hour before dusk and rain set in.

In the morning, we headed to Farlington. Cetti’s Warblers and Skylarks were in fine voice.  Hundreds of Brant were milling around.  A flyover Peregrine Falcon was a nice sight too.  In limited time, we didn’t hear any bearded tits or pipits, but there will be other days.

Eight year birds on the stopover: Shrike, Woodlark, Shelduck, Cetti's Warbler, Linnet, Grey (Black-belleid) Plover, Brant, Skylark.