Saturday 12 April – St Catherine’s Valley

 It was mostly overcast with a coolish breeze, even so, twelve members gathered for a very pleasant and rewarding walk. Chiffchaff was the first bird, together with the expected resident birds which included Skylark, Bullfinch and Stock Dove. Blackcap and Green Woodpecker were heard as well as Yellowhammer – a male of the latter then seen on a track. Buzzards then rose up on the wind and even displayed whilst a Jay scolded. When we arrived at the valley bottom a Grey Wagtail was flushed from the brook, a Goldcrest was heard, Nuthatches called and were seen and a Sparrowhawk circled over. During out final ascent back up to the cars we added Coal Tit, Mistle Thrush, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, Kestrel and Pied Wagtail giving us a very good total of 42 species. By now it was very pleasant and warmer… time for lunch! (Many thanks to Robin for leading).