Woodlarks

Thursday 13th January

Another estate in NE Sussex we have surveyed over the last two winters has consistently produced Woodlarks. Today was no exception with a flock of 20 in the field where they are always to be found. Last winter the maximum count (in February) was 27 so it will be interesting to see if we can beat it next month. Also seen in the same general area were 7 Stock Doves, 15 Skylarks, 17 Meadow Pipits, 180 Chaffinches, 15 Linnets, 2 Yellowhammers & a Reed Bunting demonstrating nicely the value of weedy winter stubbles for our declining farmland birds.

By early evening I was feeling distinctly rough with a raging temperature (39.5C) necessitating a visit to A&E at Worthing Hospital where I was diagnosed with what the doctor described as a 'nasty kidney infection'. Several hours later, having been treated with i/v antibiotics and painkillers, I was allowed home with instructions to rest and drink plenty of fluids so no birding for me for the next few days.  

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