Dawn Chorus, 21st May.

Arrived at the Morning Star at 03:50 to await people participating in the dawn chorus at Cholsey Marsh. Whilst waiting I heard a Tawny Owl calling and a Skylark singing. Eventually 5 people arrived and we then made our way down Ferry Lane to the marsh.

Halfway down ferry lane a Cuckoo was singing, this was then a feature for the whole stay. The Cuckoo was very vocal, singing virtually all the time moving from one place to another.

Picked up virtually all the regular species and got very good views of Grasshopper Warbler around 20m away.

Tony Rayner had around 8 people in his group and got 27 species including 5 species our group did not have, Sparrowhawk, Yellowhammer, Red-legged Partridge, Mistle Thrush and Corn Bunting. They made their way through the Rec into the meadows and the bottom of Cholsey Hill.

44 species recorded on the marsh walk and most had a a good breakfast at the new “4 Teas cafe” in the village.

Thanks to all who participated.