Birding on the South Downs around Burpham in West Sussex yesterday afternoon featured three amazing flocks.
Grey Partridges were heard calling almost immediately, then a flock of five crossed the track. A little further on, a much bigger covey — as a group of partridges is called — of 17 birds appeared in one of the fields, one male keeping watch while the others fed.
As we waited for birds of prey in the evening, a flock of 33 Corn Buntings gathered in a small tree in a sunken dip, gently 'clicking' in unison as they took off later.
We had no luck with harriers or owls this time, but one huge strewn-out line of 55 Red Kites flew east to roost after sunset — a spectacular sight!