Thursley NNR 29/03/21

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In view of the improvement in weather and thinking that the long-staying buntings at Thursley could soon go I headed there, though couldn't leave until late morning, arriving on site just after 1 p.m.

The weather was warm and sunny, and both Little and Rustic Buntings had been seen in the morning. Seed had been placed out near the birds favoured bushes, and after about 30 minutes one Little Bunting joined a Reed Bunting on the ground. Reed Buntings and Goldfinches frequently came down to feed, though it was another hour before a Little Bunting was seen again, albeit two together at one stage 

The Rustic Bunting was very elusive and only a poor view was obtained in nearby small trees. Nevertheless, the bird looked very smart in by now summer plumage. My suspicion about the possible disappearance of the buntings was correct in the case of the Rustic which was not seen in the following days.

Other birds included my first Wheatear for the year, two Stonechat, two Buzzards, and a singing Woodlark.












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