Thirty of us started the walk in dampish and dull weather which brightened as the walk progressed. Near the start we began to see birds which included some House Sparrows chattering in a hedge. As we walked across fields several Wood Pigeons, a Magpie and a Robin made themselves known. Walking along a hedge lined narrow lane, at gaps in the hedge we saw a group of mixed corvids including Crow and Jackdaw, Starlings, and distant gulls thought to be Herring Gulls. A highlight for me was watching four Mistle Thrushes munching on holly berries then flying high up into the trees. Goldcrest was heard and then another of my favourite birds, Bullfinch, started to call. After peering into the scrub we spotted a gorgeous male. At the coffee stop a group of Redwings flew by and Goldfinches were foraging high up in an ash tree. Shortly after restarting we saw a group of Greenfinches including at least one juvenile, a Jay was heard, plus a lovely view of a Stonechat sitting on top of a bush. [On our way to the lake we met a character out walking with his pet parrot on his shoulder. Not one for the list but an unusual encounter.] Stopping at the lake we observed two Egyptian Geese, many Cormorants, six Herons, assorted ducks including Gadwall, Pochard and Teal, five Great Crested Grebe and Little and Great White Egret. At the dam area were Black-headed and Great Black-backed Gulls. Walking back across fields we added Buzzard and Red Kite and were treated to three Siskins flitting around the tree tops. We paused to watch a mixed tit flock which included Long-tailed Tits, observed a male Chaffinch well disguised by hawthorn berries, and a Pied Wagtail fly by. 51 species in total on this lovely walk. Thanks to Mike Landen for leading. Linda Moysey