Overton Biodiversity Society

May 2012

2^nd

Volunteer & Farmer Alliance surveying found Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Redpoll, Red Kite, Stock Dove, four Lapwing, Whitethroat and Little Grebe being most notable about Ashe Warren Farm. Both Swift and House Martin were on the wing over the village early morning, both being the first of the year yet reported. Hairy-footed Flower Bee were lingering in gardens while a Sparrowhawk in Southington was definitely not doing so.

6^th

a Willow Warbler was in song in the Lion Close / Kerchers Field area. Greater Celandine were in flower in Southington Lane. Immature Chaffinch were seen visiting gardens with their parents, immature Robin being seen off Bridge Street where both Blackcap and Chiffchaff were in song.

8^th

late afternoon saw a Buzzard over fields north of the Kingsclere Road railway bridge.

10^th

A carefree Garden Snail was seen crossing Kingsclere Road at Foxdown in the early morning, before the rush hour.

Right: Garden snail, Helix aspersa

11^th

A 14-spot Ladybird was noted on a flower on Kinsclere Road and a 7-spot ladybird a little further down at Little Meadow.

12^th

a Cuckoo in song early morning was a pleasant surprise for one.

14^th

a Common Tern moving south-west over Woodlands late afternoon became the 111^th bird species recorded in / over / from one house and garden! Greylag were moving over the village before most villagers had awoken. A Red Kite was over fields south of Frost Hill Farm, also early morning. Also on the wing, Swift were again reported.

16^th

an obvious frost started the day!

17^th

the highlight of the day was the talk given by Alan Willis on the local Kingfishers, 56 people attending! House Sparrow young could now be heard in bird boxes.

18^th

the Peacock were still about, at least being about the Town Meadow area. Rather less exotic were the Red Kite and three Swift over the same area later in the day.

Right: Peacock in full display in a local garden.

24^th

a Goldcrest was in song at Town Meadow early morning.

27^th

Gadwall were seen over the village during the day, hopefully more than hinting at birds lingering to breed, once again, this year.

28^th

Green Woodpecker, Swift and House Martin were all about the Town Meadow / Woodlands area during the day.

29^th

two Goldcrest were in dong in Kerchers Field conifers.

30^st

a heavily misted start to the day, this however clearing to allow both Swift and House Martin to be seen over the village later in the day.

Contributors: Alison Hutchins, Peter E. Hutchins, Veronique Kerguelen & Adam Trickett.