Saturday 18 January – Eastville Park

 Eight BOC members turned out on a grey day; the rain held off until 1pm and we had sunshine for part of the walk. From the car park we followed the path round the playing field, then went on the Frome River Walkway, passing the lake and along the river path and the Jewish Cemetery before returning to the car park. We spotted approx 30 Black-headed Gulls, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Herring Gull and a small flock of unidentified finches flew over. We saw Moorhen, Mallard, Canada Geese, Mute Swan and a Grey Heron busy fishing in the lake. Great Tit, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock and Blackbird were singing and calling repeatedly. We also saw Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Raven, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow. We also had a very good views of Jay and a Tree Creeper. Whilst we were looking for a Great Spotted Woodpecker a Sparrow Hawk flew over our heads. House Sparrows were foraging on the common, which made the magic total of 30 species to be recorded on the day.