DEACON HILL
Classic downland birds with the chance of an early spring migrant
On the Beds/ Herts border, Deacon Hill, at the north- eastern extremity of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, commands spectacular views north across arable farmland and the wooded valley around Hexton. The steep scarp slope is clothed in a mixture of Hawthorn scrub, a copse and a conifer plantation, and sheep- grazed downland complete with an old quarry. There is a chance of an early migrant from the south as spring approaches, while there is always the possibility of a rarity such as a Hen Harrier or a passage Stone- curlew.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Scan the farmland for passing Lapwings and maybe Golden Plovers, also grounded flocks of Common and Black-headed Gulls, plus Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, corvids, finches and buntings. Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard hunt the field margins while both Red-legged and Grey Partridges are present. Check hedgerows for Redwing, Fieldfare, Stonechat, Linnet, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting.
2
The track skirts a copse holding resident woodland birds including Jay, Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush, tits and finches, plus a chance of an early migrant Firecrest, Chiffchaff or Blackcap. Check old hedgerow trees for Little Owl and Kestrel. At dusk the copse is used by roosting Woodpigeons, Jackdaws, thrushes and Starlings, while a hunting Barn Owl often quarters rough grassland.
3
From atop Deacon Hill scan the skies for an overhead passage of wintering Redwings and Fieldfares moving east, plus Common and Black-headed Gulls, Meadow Pipit, Sky Lark, Pied Wagtail and finches. A good vantage point for a viz mig watch around dawn or, later in the morning, to check for Raven, Red Kite, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk soaring over the Hexton estate to the west in the valley below.
4
Downland tussocks and scrub are favourite spots for a roosting Woodcock or Long-eared Owl respectively. As spring approaches an early Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Firecrest or Black Redstart can be expected, plus the likes of breeding Long-tailed Tit, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Bullfinch. Stock Dove, Corn Bunting and Grey Partridge haunt the open farmland atop the downs, and if ploughing operations are in progress Red Kites commonly accompany the flocks of gulls and corvids behind the tractor.