In search of Sklylarks

As mentioned in the previous blog post, there are indications that Skylarks are singing (if not nesting successfully) over the fields of south Abingdon

So with a new sense of optimism the blog set out early morning to try to and catch a sight of this iconic bird.

Although seeing them is unlikely. Not only are they are a small bird which flies up the fields to either deter predators or to try to attract a mate but the UK population has fell by 50% since the 1980's[1] with the most likely cause loss and changes of habitiat, especially the modern move to different crops[2].

But to the blog's suprise they are in Abingdon are what a delight to spend a late April morning watching them sing.  So someone appears to be doing something right in the nearby fields and may they continue to sing for years to come.

Although one of the things that has not changed over the past 5 years is the poor quality photography in the blog

Sources

[1] RSPB Handbook of British Birds (2006)

[2] BTO  https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/skylark