On Friday I went on an evening walk with a group of women from the Hampshire Ornithological Society (the sub-group is known as the Lady-Birders). It was a lovely event, which started off with dinner in a local restaurant as a chance to get to know each other (we had only chatted in our WhatsApp group before). We then car-shared to the Nightjar site, a local Forestry Commission plantation. A Song Thrush was singing as we arrived.
The walk was led by Nicky, who is the communications officer for Thames Basin Heaths Partnership. She told us about the management of the site and protection of the species, and the challenges they face trying to educate people who use the area for leisure.
Nicky led us on a short walk, explaining about the Nightjars we hoped to see and hear. We were accompanied by the eerie sounds of deer barking nearby.
As the sun set we heard the first churring of a Nightjar and although we couldn’t see the bird, we were treated to the sight of a Woodcock flying past instead.
We had several Woodcock sightings during the evening, which may have been the same bird flying around its territory. I managed to get my binoculars on the bird on one occasion and although it was mostly silhouetted, I could see its bill open as it called its short, sharp call.
We eventually saw one flying Nightjar during the walk, but with the light fading and several tall trees close by, the bird was gone in a moment.
I also heard a Tawny Owl which, along with the Woodcock and Nightjar, brought my species number for June to 86.
What a fab way to spend a Friday night: in the company of Lady-Birders, listening to the iconic churring of Nightjars!
Have you ever been on a group birding walk? Tell me about it, by sending me a message or voicemail here: https://casualbirder.com/contact-me