Tuesday 31 December – Dyrham Leader: Caron Thornton-Trippet

Thirty-four of us gathered on a mild, blustery but dry day for a very enjoyable walk to bring in the New Year, with a new route and new leader. Caron had negotiated the route with a local farmer, and told us lots of interesting details about the area, including the Battle of Hinton fought in AD577 between the West Saxons and Britons. Starting at Dyrham village we went along the Cotswold Way past the Hill Fort, then back through fields (sheep, turnips etc). 33 bird species were seen. The star attraction was a female Kestrel which was very happy to be admired. Other birds included a pair of Bullfinches, Redwings (c.60), a Red Kite, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush, Jay, Raven, Grey Heron, two Buzzards, two more Kestrels and fields full of Common Gulls (c.85), ten Pied Wagtails and Crows. And there was a fleeting view of a Muntjac Deer. Thanks to Caron for leading and for the mince pies. David Gould