A number of birds arrive on the patch in spring. Some of these stay to breed, such as Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Other species continue on their way north or west. These passage migrants include Swallow, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wheatear, and occasionally Whinchat, Stonechat, Sand and House Martin. Red Kites are regularly seen, mainly in the spring, generally flying south.
Autumn sees the reverse of the species northerly migration, and normally in larger numbers. The Horse Fields are a great location for Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and the occasional Skylark. During this time Redwing, Fieldfare and Starling are often seen flying westward. The mound with Queen Elizabeth Oak, at the top of Mayflower Park, is an ideal spot to watch these fly-over birds.
Sparrowfeld Patch 