Summary

The day began cool with mist and grey cloud but the sun soon came through.  It then became pleasantly warm and sunny – a good Spring day for lingering and listening.  The birds were definitely singing as we followed paths through this RSPB reserve in Staffordshire.  Seeing them was more tricky and we perhaps ended up with a higher proportion than usual of birds heard but not seen.  Clearly in view, though quite high in the sky to the East, at least four Buzzards were circling.

Our early views of Pied Flycatchers were fleeting but sightings improved as the walk progressed.  We were somewhat surprised to see young Grey Wagtails being fed by their parents where the path passes over Coombes Brook at a bridge; it seemed rather early in the year to see juveniles so developed although they were much paler than the parents and their tails rather shorter.

Bluebells were showing well and a few butterflies were around, mostly Orange Tip.  There was no sign of Redstarts at Clough Meadow Cottage on this visit but we did get good views of one on the Valley Woodland Trail before we stopped for a lunch break.  It was also on this trail that we had the best sightings of Pied Flycatchers – a pair that had occupied a newly-erected nest box were particularly active.

As the visit came to an end, a Red Kite came down low over the Visitor Centre, probably looking for more than the ice creams that were being consumed by our members below.

Members participating:    8

Bird list (26 species seen and/or heard)

Pied Flycatcher – Martyn Grandy

Redstart – Martyn Grandy

Pied Flycatcher – Martyn Grandy

Clough Meadow Cottage – Martyn Grandy

Pied Flycatcher – Chris Byrne

Grey Wagtail (adult) by Coombes Brook – Chris Byrne

Grey Wagtail (juvenile) by Coombes Brook – Martyn Grandy

Sun breaking through, Coombes Valley – Chris Byrne