2007) reported three inland records of Alpine Swift, and they considered that “this high-flying swift is probably often over-looked in inland southern counties”. With regards to Stradishall Airfield then as I stated, I do not believe it is such an important place for breeding birds – although those that do breed there, such
as skylarks, meadow pipits and reed buntings, undoubtedly do so because it is a good habitat. The importance of the area, in my view, is that it is a stopover place for many migrants. Further, it is also an excellent place for many species that over-fly the area. Therefore I would pose the question that if a number of species use Stradishall as a stopover site, or as a place to over-fly,
Y X
The ‘Heights’ and their East of England context. X denotes Stradishall Airfield and Y denotes Chedburgh Airfield. Map courtesy of the East of England Biodiversity Forum
6
THE
HARRIER – March 2011
