An annual summer staple of birding in the West Midlands is a
nocturnal visit to Cannock Chase. This usually yields stuff like Nightjar and
Woodcock, although you have to be careful - it can be a little hairy up there
of an evening, you may bump into ex-footballers and other social degenerates
who enjoy loitering in car parks.
Making the most of a rare dry and still evening I headed up
the Chase with Martyn. We were early so we had a saunter down to Stepping Stones
to see if Pied Flycatchers were around. We could not find any but we did
come across a very vocal and mobile Redstart. Also 2 Green Woodpecker and
flocking Long-tailed Tits including many juvs by Coppice Hill car park.
Moving on to an area with a reputation for Nightjar, we got into position way before dusk. Whilst
waiting we had a Hobby and Kestrel over and warblers such as Willow Warbler,
Garden Warbler and Whitethroat gave occasional bursts of song.
Our first churring Nightjar was heard at a surprising 9:15pm.
It was of course still almost fully light so we still had a while to go before seeing one.
Eventually they appeared around the 10.00pm mark. From then until it got too dark to see, we observed
at least 3 separate birds, two of them males. All birds were fairly active and showed in flight off and on. The spine-tingling sound of churring
on the Chase is something not to be missed. Also a Woodcock came over a couple of times
calling.
Sorry no images, it was a bit dark.
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