An autumn walk for migrants on the Chiltern Hills
The scenic village of Aldbury, nestling at the foot of the Chilterns in the Tring Gap, is the starting point for this autumnal birding walk which takes in arable farmland beside the Grand Union Canal and downland scrub. A section of the National Trust Ashridge Estate, with its mature woodland and plantations, attracts birds as diverse as Woodcock, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit and Firecrest. Viewpoints along the downland escarpment are good for experiencing visible migration at dawn.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Open farmland yields mixed flocks of Goldfinch, Linnet and Chaffinch around field margins, plus a few Red-legged Partridge, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. Ploughing operations can attract flocks of Black-headed and Common Gulls, Lapwing, corvids, Stock Dove, Starling and Red Kite.
2
From the Grand Union Canal towpath there is a chance of Grey Heron, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Moorhen, Reed Bunting, Grey and Pied Wagtails. Check hedgerows for passerine flocks.
3 A visible migration stakeout around dawn atop the ridge should yield passing Sky Lark,
Meadow Pipit, hirundines, common finches and buntings with a chance of Wood Lark, redpoll, Siskin, Brambling, Hawfinch and Corn Bunting. A good spot for soaring raptors typically Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Downland scrub should deliver Yellowhammer, Stonechat, Linnet, Bullfinch, plus a chance of passage warblers, Ring Ouzel, Redstart, Wheatear and Whinchat.
4
Mature Beech woodland and plantations supports a range of resident species, including Longtailed and Marsh Tits, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Green, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Jay. Check the bird feeders by the NT visitor centre. Tawny Owl active at dusk.