My third walk up Bredon Hill was definatly the most rewarding this spring with a wide selection of birds being observed.
Mark joined me for turned out to be an outstanding morning including 19 Ring Ouzel (24 recorded in evening), 2/3 Common Redstarts, 2 Stonechat, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Raven, Red Kite & Buzzard.
I've walked Bredon three times this spring and all visits have resulted in observing some fantastic sightings. Last Saturday, I spend a lengthy session in one place just enjoying the amazing singing Redstarts. On my previous walk myself and the Squire were very priviliged to see four Ring Ouzel.
From the top you get some interesting views looking down at the birds
Ring Ouzel footage from spring 2019
I found this drone footage online which shows off Bredon very well
Bredon Hill location
Easy access from all directtions
Bredon Hill is the largest of the Cotswold ‘outliers’ and is the only Cotswold hill to lie fully within Worcestershire, although part of the escarpment at Broadway also lies within the county. Both peaks have distinctive 18th century follies at their summit.
Bredon Hill is dotted with standing stones, it has three Iron Age forts, a Norman castle, a holy well, a disappeared cave and a folly. A host of tales and folklore add further mystery if you give it a Google. Just a few miles from Evesham, it is an easy drive from all direction.
To escape the current pandemic madness I've been walking Bredon as it is an area of natural beauty, is only a short drive and you can disappear on the slopes and not see anyone. For me, it's always been worth an annual visit to try and see the Ring Ouzels moving through but there is so much more than that. You are guaranteed to see something amazing on each visit and the view from the top is something you should always take in. But don't expect an easy walk if you have never been, there are many options to the sumit, all guaranteed to get those lungs pumping. The site has records of Dotterel, Stone Curlew, Pied Wheatear four species of Owl, Montagu's Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Hawfinch, Great Grey Shrike, Black Redstart, Pied & Spotted Flycatcher, Shore Lark, Wood Lark, Wheatear *, Ring Ouzel *, Whinchat *, Stonechat* and Crossbill* (* are recorded annually)
Breeding birds include the amazing Common Redstart, Tree Pipit, Red Kite, Sky Lark, Green & Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Common & Lesser Whitethroat, Willow & Marsh Tit, Blackcap, Raven, Buzzard & Kestrel to name just a few. Also seen from hill have been Osprey & Iceland Gull.
I've enjoyed taking my camera up this spring and just waiting in different areas to see what I can capture. It's amazing what happens in front of you if you just wait. On my last visit, I watched three Jackdaws chase a Weasal through some scrub after it tried to raid their nest. Once you have had your walk make sure you visit the Elizabeth pub in Elmley Castle for a fantastic lunch & a pint. (Once reopen)
As well as flogging the gravel pits to bits whilst being on leave I visited a number of local habitats to observe the returning migrants.
I started off at Grimley on my way to
the Birders Store in Worcester to upgrade my telescope. There has been
some good passage of Yellow Wagtails but I had to cope with a single
among the cattle in the distance. I also noted a Common Sandpiper,
5 Redshank & Dunlin. There were big numbers of Sand Martins feeding
above the main pit. I always enjoy to have a yomp around Studley along the river. The sunshine made it very pleasant. Best bird was
a Little Owl, a Little Egret and my first brood of Mallard. On the
evening Mark and I headed out to Dorsington where we caught up with a
Short-eared Owl. I visited the Wyre Forest twice. The second visit was more productive in terms of birds as the female migrants had also arrived. I was shocked to hear a Wood Warbler, I thought this could be another week away. Observations included a Grey
Wagtail, 3 Redstart, many Tree Pipits (most I'd ever seen there, Cuckoo
and 3 Pied Flycatchers looking for suitable nest boxes.
On
Easter Sunday, I walked Bredon Hill with the family. With limited
viewing due to time I was really pleased to find 2 Whinchat perched high
which were my first of the year. Other sightings included 2 Ring Ouzel,
3 Willow Warbler, many Tree Pipits, Common & Lesser Whitethroats.
On my final day off we headed to West Midland Bird Club's Ladywalk Nature Reserve (thankfully no combination exit
issues this time) where star attraction was a Wood Sandpiper. On
entering the hide we were told that the Wood Sandpiper had gone into the
reeds and not been seen for 30 minutes. It took me five minutes to find
the bird on the edge of one of the islands ! I recorded my first Garden Warbler of the year and also noted Cuckoo, Lesser Whitethroats & Sand Martins.
