Kingley Vale in February

A walk at Kingley Vale in late February had many signs of spring developing, while winter was still trying to hold on.

Walking along a path through some farmland a flock of around 20 Mediterranean gulls flew overhead, and a mistle thrush sang strongly from a distant tree. Further along, many redwings perched high up in the bare oaks. A large party of goldfinches twittered away but largely remained out of sight. Buzzards and red kites soared overhead.

In the woodland we could hear two firecrests singing, looking in the hollies we had close up views of these miniature gems, as well as an even smaller goldcrest. Ravens croaked away, a distant skylark sang with typical vigour, and bullfinches could be heard within the trees.

In the margins of a dew pond was a great profusion of frogspawn.

After a climb up the hill we admired the views south across the vale and towards Chichester Harbour. Redpoll, siskin and chaffinches were calling up here. Some approaching rain encouraged us to head downhill and back through the farmland, redwings rose out of the fields to their perches in the trees.

- Hugh Baggaley