On a chilly, cloudy day but with a gentle breeze, 10 members visited Annesley Pit Top Nature Reserve and over the next 3 hours were treated to some excellent birding. It started well when a Sparrowhawk and a Whitethroat were seen from the car park. On the track up to the top lake, the wood to the left was alive with warblers with Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and a Garden Warbler all being heard but not seen. Upon arriving at the lake, we were treated to our first sightings of the iconic Black-necked Grebes. Eventually 7 were identified but there could well have been more. In addition,
Adult Black-necked Grebeall the common hirundines were present as were Swifts and both Sedge and Reed Warblers. At the lowest point of the reserve, we turned off the main track and headed east, coming upon the most stunning wildflower meadow crammed with kidney vetch 
and ox-eye daisies but sadly not a singlebutterfly – just too cold. Beyond, to the top of a slight rise, came the icing on the cake; here we were treated to quite a lengthy 
Garden Warblersighting of not one but two Garden Warblers with an adjacent Blackcap for comparison. Initially, confusion was caused when ‘Merlin’ declared it to be a Woodlark which caused much mirth and ‘dissing’ of Merlin. A few moments later, a 
Bird on a wire – Woodlarkbird on a high pylon wire was scoped and found to be a Woodlark. (Jury now having to reconsider the worth of Merlin). Back on the main reserve, an LRP was spotted, but disappointingly, other than a Kestrel and an unidentified raptor, no other birds of prey were seen – possibly another product of low temperatures.
Total of 45 species seen. Thanks to Steve Sutcliffe for the bird photos and the meadow by Dave Griffin.