Summary

A bright warm sunny day with no breeze. Several of us discarded layers of clothing before we set off.  Part of the reserve was closed as the footbridge needed repair but we completed the Valley Woodland Loop.  A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen from the car park but then, for the early part of the walk, we heard more species than we saw.  Sightings improved though with good views of Pied Flycatchers in various locations – all males as far as we could tell.  Birds of prey were in evidence including Buzzard, a Red Kite and a Kestrel; we were unable to confirm one high overhead sighting however but the conclusion was either a Sparrowhawk or Goshawk.

Bluebells were showing well and a few butterflies were around, including Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Peacock.  One member who had visited the reserve the previous Tuesday had seen a pair of Red-legged Partridge but there was no sign of them on our group visit.  After a very enjoyable walk in the sunshine, ice creams seemed to be the order of the day once we returned to the Visitor Centre.

Members participating:    10

Bird list (30 species seen and/or heard)

Valley Woodland Loop – Chris Byrne

Bluebells – Kathleen Rigg

Nuthatch – Kathleen Rigg

Blue Tit – Chris Byrne

Long-tailed Tit – Chris Byrne

Pied Flycatcher – Kathleen Rigg

Wren – Chris Byrne

Buzzard – Kathleen Rigg

Speckled Wood – Chris Byrne