Twenty members made a staggered start on a mild morning, the prompt glimpsing a weasel, the tardy two Greater Spotted Woodpeckers flying over, all to the continuous songs of Wrens, Robins and Blackcaps. The route was alongside a biggish pond. Here were two Mute Swans, two Canada Geese and a Moorhen, while to the right were singing Reed Warblers and a Reed Bunting, also Cetti’s Warblers and Dunnocks. Tree buds had burst but the leaves were still small and each species a different shade, so the visual effect was fantastic. Also seen were Longtailed, Blue and Great Tits, Blackcaps, and Chiffchaffs, one of which gave an agile display of catching midges swarming above the flowers. Heron, Little Egret, Curlew and a few Shelduck were on show along the Severn Way and a fine view of a Peregrine flying onto a pylon to overlook the coffee break. Two Linnets and a Pied Wagtail were seen but birds were not so evident and we turned back to the embankment overlooking an extensive area of brambles and small trees. It looked perfect for Whitethroat at least but none were seen, though a Stonechat perched on the fence. Turning for home, the path through an overgrown meadow beside a small pond ended in a final orchard where there were a number of Blue Tits and Chiffchaffs. There were singletons of Treecreeper, Little Grebe and Kestrel along the way which, together with the expected regulars, lifted the species tally to 45. A lovely morning. Many thanks to Di for leading and Alistair for compiling the list. Simon Reece