Guided Bird Walk – Saturday June 4th
12 hardy souls left the West Bank Car Park at 9.30 for a gentle summery stroll around our beautiful countryside. Unfortunately, it was very much an overcast day with that chilly wind still finding it’s way through our lightweight clothing. A couple of those gathered had the foresight to bring a woolly hat. Yes, a woolly hat in June!
Starting off down Ogston New Road we found Lesser Black Backed Gulls and Herring Gulls on the shore, but, surprisingly no Black Headed Gull. Further down towards Brackenfield we managed a drake Mandarin and the usual mix of Chiffchaffs and occasional Willow Warbler. From the Church we headed up towards the village green before turning down Carr Lane. Here the wind decided to put in a show of strength for the hedgerows managed to provide a little shelter. West of Carr Farm the eagle eyed amongst us managed to spot a distant Red Kite over Higheoredish. The jealous majority decided to doubt our eyesight and for a while refused to accept the sighting.
We headed East towards Top Farm where we finally managed to pick up a couple of Yellowhammers.
A gentle stroll down to the Car Park and we descended upon the Members Hide but again there was little to see.
A good time was had by all and the banter amongst the group is always good fun.
45 Species in all.
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Pied Wagtail, Mute Swan, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Robin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, House Martin, Gadwall, Sand Martin, Swift, Herring Gull, Mandarin Duck, Blue Tit, Jay, Blackbird, Dunnock, Wren, Buzzard, Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Starling, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, Chaffinch, Pheasant, Jackdaw, Yellowhammer, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe.
Let’s not forget the Brown Hare!
Steve Slack & Andy Marshall ably assisted by scribe Pete Faulkner.