Kent Ornithological Society 
Ray O’Reilly - KOS Outdoor Meetings leader writes:
I decided to do something different for this month's KOS Field Outing. Due to the heat I opted for a late afternoon/evening session at Old Lodge NR, Ashdown Forest in East Sussex.
At the car park a Garden Warbler serenaded us, then a Song Thrush and it wasn't long before we heard the sweet song of a Willow Warbler, so synonymous with summer. Several of them put on a vivid show for us.
The first part of the walk was rather quiet until we found a rather smart, close pair of Common Redstarts and we compared their call to those of Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Young Daniel Hale was continually hearing a singing Goldcrest, but it was a while before the rest of us - with much older and less efficient ears(!) - could finally pick up the song.
We then discovered a family party of Woodlarks with the adults feeding fully grown young, then some Stonechats with young too appeared.A splendid Hobby was enjoyed by all.
Our next star bird was a Tree Pipit singing its sweet song from - as you would expect - the very top of a tree. The party enjoyed good views through ‘scopes.
At the horse paddocks we enjoyed three Mistle Thrushes feeding and calling,showing their bold spots and pale outer-tail feathers. They are another declining species and were the first of the year for some members. A Spotted Flycatcher was also viewed and a Treecreeper by some. A Cuckoo plus some vociferous but hard to see Dartford Warblers were welcome additions as we made our way back to the carpark, where we all took a snack and a short rest.
On the way around the reserve we had discussed our best option for viewing Nightjars and we went straigh to a favoured spot, where we had to wait for 75 minuteswhen, finally, at 21:35 our patience was rewarded as the first bird started wing-clapping. We had good views of a pair several times and as we left all we could hear was the clapping and other birds churring. A Tawny Owl was also seen by some participants.
It was good to see some of the old original members return for this KOS outdoor meeting and, of course, some welcome new participants for their first outing.
It was a great afternoon and evening!
Next Outdoor Meetings
I am pleased to announce the following dates for the rest of the year's KOS Field Outings. Please contact me requesting two dates that you would like to attend. This will be on a first come first served basis.
Contact me by Text, WhatsApp or Messenger (07831-362502). You MUST be a current KOS member.
Sunday July 30th
Sunday August 20th
Sunday September 3rd
Sunday October 29th
Sunday November 19th
Sunday December17th
(As usual, destinations & meeting place will be decided close to the date of each meeting)
Best wishes
Ray