Winter Bird Walk

Join me for an early Spring walk to experience the interesting and varied bird life of the Surrey North Downs.

Typical species seen;

• Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel
• Hawfinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Redpoll, Crossbill
• Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit
• Redwing, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird
• Firecrest, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Raven

And lots, lots more!

The early part of the year can be a very rewarding time for watching birds. The reclusive Goshawk becomes more conspicuous as pair bonding activities intensify. Few birds in late Winter/early Spring are as exciting as the Goshawk and we’ll be listening out for their distinctive contact calls and looking to the skies for the dramatic courtship flights of this impressive woodland predator. ‘Sky-watching’ in this way may also reveal Peregrine, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Raven. This area is also very reliable for Hawfinch and searching on foot through their favoured haunts is a fine way to spend a Winter's day. We'll be listening out for their distinctive contact calls as they gather in loose flocks ahead of the breeding season. As we make our way through the woodland and chalk downland, we’ll also use our ears to hone in on a range of other Surrey North Downs bird life such as Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Firecrest, Dartford Warbler, Crossbill, Siskin, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker. So don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

The walk will last around three hours and, as well as enjoying the birdlife, we'll also explore the fascinating flora and fauna and cultural history of this inspiring landscape.

The meeting point is near the village of East Horsley in Surrey (full details will be made available following booking) and the walk starts at 9am. We’ll cover several kilometres through woodland and scrubby habitats and the trail gets fairly steep in places.