Sunday after the F1 Grand Prix I zipped down to The Burgh again with the objectives being not only the lingering Rough-legged Buzzard but also the Corn Buntings that seem to remain in numbers, unlike my patch where they disappeared without trace years ago.
There has been a good deal of estate management going on, and in view of how this estate has been lauded as an example of good practice (and I admit the Grey Partridges and Corn Buntings indicate they are doing something right) I was disappointed though unsurprised to find mustelid trap tunnels about every fifty yards, along all the wind breaks, hedgerows and game strips.
Until our country estates are managed sympathetically for all predators, not just BOP, the job will not be complete.
Anyway, enough bitching because by and large I had a good day, with good views of the local pale Buzzard, the Rough-leg (which made me wait three hours for flight views after I found it in its usual hedge) and a very confiding Corn Bunting. I also heard my first Cuckoo of the year, but was quite surprised not to hear Whitethroats from any of the hedges.
I finished with a look at the Arundel castle moat, but for the second time this year saw only Brown Rats, no Water Voles. I did get pix of a rat, a hulking battle-scarred brute with a knowing eye and a scabby, abbreviated tail.
Tonight I was out along the canal again, with another nice Badger pic and a couple of pix of a Wood Mouse scuttling about on the towpath. I also saw Red Fox, Daubenton's Bat, Roe Deer, Rabbits including one with a blackish face and ears (didn't Jungle Cat find Silver last year? I found Blackavar tonight) and Grey Squirrels. Not bad for a chilly April evening.
Pix later in the week.
John