Tuesday 08 October – Barrow Gurney

20 people set off, but before even leaving the car park we had already seen Pied Wagtail and a flock of Starlings, some flying through and others sitting on a telephone wire along with a Mistle Thrush enabling us to see the difference in size. As we walked up Hobbs Lane, we pushed a Kestrel from telephone post to post, and at the top of the lane we saw Blackbird, House Sparrow and Robin. We had a distant view of a Cormorant on a buoy on Barrow tank, and in fact we then found one sitting on each buoy! As we approached the tanks several Mallards, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Ducks, Coot, Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen. Just as we were leaving the tanks a Grey Heron was spotted. Continuing on our way we added Goldfinch, Wren and Blue Tit to our list, with one lucky member seeing a Jay and a Buzzard. Goldcrest was heard, but proved too elusive to see. At the very end of the walk, we caught sight of a Sparrowhawk overhead. Altogether 28 species seen or heard.