The pleasant weather brought out 26 walkers including two new members for the first walk of the meteorological autumn. Setting off, we picked a route that would hopefully not disturb the Little Owl we hoped to see in a nearby barn, Swallows flew overhead. A Whitethroat was seen, a family of four Stonechats were spotted on fenceposts and we saw the first of today’s four Wheatears perched in the distance. Walking between fields we enjoyed watching a lively flock of 80 or more Linnets, Skylarks, numerous corvids and a flock of 23 Herring Gulls. Birds of prey were also out hunting, including Kestrels, Buzzards and Red Kites; we were also treated to a lovely sighting of a Hobby and a brief sight of a Sparrowhawk. Stopping for coffee a Whinchat was spotted in the hazy distance. Moving closer for a better look, we enjoyed a splendid view of it showing well at the top of a bramble bush. 17 Corn Buntings were identified sitting on a telegraph wire and five well-camouflaged Red-legged Partridges were seen running in the field to our left. As we headed back three Pied Wagtails were foraging amongst some horses, two Yellowhammers appeared in the hedgerows and a noisy group of seven Ravens displayed overhead. We ended our walk by passing the barn again: no luck today spotting the Little Owl, but we did see 31 species including some real treats. Thanks to Chris for leading and Alastair for the bird list. Sarah Neale