7th March 2015
A biting wind churning the reservoir’s surface saw the initial group of 24 participants scurrying off apace after leader Paul Beard. Shelter was soon found as we headed for Milltown Quarry, and by this time large patches of blue were showing between the clouds, giving a marvellous backdrop for the glossy- coated Ravens displaying above. Buzzards and a Kestrel had also been spotted. Those tarrying behind the main party were rewarded with a Peregrine streaking over them in the vicinity of Overton Hall. Here John Parlby had reminded us of its brief occupancy by the botanist and Royal Society President Joseph Banks , who sailed round the world with Captain Cook in 1768.
A couple of folk who had returned from the walk early saw the first Ringed Plover of the season, making it a good morning’s birding for all !
40 bird species were recorded on the main walk. A few celandines were in flower and 2 hares cavorted at the quarry.
Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Coot, Lapwing, Black -headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Long- tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Rook, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin, Yellowhammer.
Jennifer Johnson