Today’s walk was postponed from yesterday due to the wet weather. Seventeen of us met with cautious optimism of seeing target species of Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Redstart and Yellow Wagtail, following a number of reported sightings during the week (and earlier in the morning!). As we set off towards the Common, we saw a Sparrowhawk as well as a few Swallows and House Martins. We went past the Golf Club and took a circular walk around the Common. Eventually we were rewarded with sightings of Whinchat, a Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and a Stock Dove, amongst others. The weather was breezy but remained dry; even so, all the birds kept their distance today, which was a little frustrating. We were grateful to those who brought scopes with them! On the more open part of the Common we spotted a number of Skylarks and had a good view of a Wheatear. Less expected overhead were two Cormorants and a Mute Swan, which added to the number of species seen – eventually totalling a very acceptable 34. Thank you to Mike for leading. Denise Rudeford