It was a very cold, frosty but sunny start to this morning meeting. As we walked along the road to the entrance to the valley several members picked up on Redwing, Bullfinch and Blackcaps feeding in bushes on the opposite bank of the river. After entering the reserve we all had good views of Goldcrest and Treecreepers, a real bonus. A little further on was a party of Long-tailed Tits. As we moved further up the path into open fields towards Raven’s Rock we had good views of another Bullfinch plus a Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. At the main quarry there was no sign of the Peregrines but as we walked through to the rear quarry two were seen in flight. In the water filled quarry was a pair of Little Grebes. In the open fields by the farm several members saw a Hare. We had been hoping for a Nuthatch and were not disappointed as near the end of our walk one was heard and then seen. The final tally was 34 species. Thanks to all for making it such an enjoyable meeting.
Chris Perry