And a partridge in a pear tree
Everyone's heard the Twelve Days of Christmas song. And most people probably know the words off by heart. Birds feature prominently in the lyrics – a partridge in a pear tree; two Turtle Doves; three French hens; four calling birds; six geese a-laying; and seven swans a-swimming. And it may come as a surprise that some of them can be found around Gatestreet Farm during the festive period … Starting at the top, a partridge in a pear tree is unlikely to be spotted, but a partridge scuttling across a field or taking off from the bottom of a hedgerow is rather a common sight around Gatestreet. Two species occur in Britain: the native Grey Partridge and the introduced Red-legged. The latter is seen often and, in the winter, can form groups – known as coveys – up to 30-strong. Sadly, Grey is far rarer these days, but the land around Gatestreet Farm is one of the few remaining places they remain in Surrey, though they are hard to see. Red-legged Partridge. Even one Turtle Dove would be q
