Birds on the Common

A wide range of birds can be seen on the common, including peregrine falcons, buzzards, stonechats and skylarks.

The peregrines nest in the quarry and are sometimes seen hunting for the smaller birds they prey on. They are very agile and fast, catching birds on the wing. Buzzards are often seen circling overhead, hunting for small mammals on the common. Skylarks nest on the common. Listen for their melodious song as they rise high into the sky. Smaller stonechats are easily recognised by their distinctive call, like two pebbles being knocked together.