Thursley Common

Another trip to Thursley Common because it is such a great place to visit.  The morning started off quite fresh but it didn't take too long for the temperature to rise.  

The main draw today was the male Red-backed Shrike having presumably drifted across from the continent on the run of easterlies that have been a feature over the past few days.  It was always distant as the photo below testifies, but these birds are a joy to observe which after a sluggish start, became more active, flying low between vantage points, successfully predating an unfortunate beetle.

There was a lot of activity today, at least six Common Redstart seen.  This male was briefly in song. A couple of juvenile birds were noted along the Heathland Trail.

The rich cascading melody of a Woodlark provided the perfect soundtrack to the heathland backdrop.

I'd never seen so many Dartford Warbler.  Around a dozen at least, a lot of vocalising, a few still in song, plenty scratching within the gorse.  This individual showed quite nicely in short bursts.  So good to see them doing well here, the fine weather hopefully contributing to a fruitful breeding season.