One of the great annual benefits of Blackdown is the reliability of the site turning up autumn Ring Ouzels. Being a relatively high peak (the highest point in Sussex) and scattered with berry-laden Rowans and Whitebeams, which are gourmet food for Thrushes, normally the first half of October will almost guarantee a sighting.
The berry crop this year has been one of the poorest for many years, with the Whitebeams almost devoid of fruit and only one or two Rowans with a thin offering left, could not say for sure why, maybe the mild and wet winter last year contributed. I had noted the recent reports had only indicated one or two brief sightings of Ouzels by Dave B.
Last weekend was a complete washout, but with work abating slightly and being away next week, I took the chance this morning to do an early walk around the site. A mild, and dry start with a moderate breeze and rain promised later, it was generally quiet, starting with the normal Stonechat and a Dartford Warbler surprisingly in song. A flock of 25 Linnets were perched up before foraging in the heather, a handful of Meadow Pipits were moving off south with 17 House Martins and 3 Lesser Redpoll flew over.
It wasn't until I was in the far NW corner that I thought I heard the low 'chacking' that sounded like a Ring Ouzel. A couple of Blackbirds alighted and after a short wait a Ring Ouzel followed the Blackbirds to the top of an Oak, shortly followed by a second bird. They sat motionless for a while before dropping into cover. I saw them twice more on my visit always distantly and in the company of 2 Mistle Thrush and 5 Redwing. 12+ Crossbills were the only other birds of note.
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| Ring Ouzel (lower) with 2 Blackbird |
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| some autumn fungi at home |
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| These all accumulate near the base of an old Silver Birch |
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