Saturday 20 July – Marshfield Leaders: Sue and Nigel Kempson

Twelve BOC members attended this walk around Marshfield on a thankfully dry evening. From Tanners Close we crossed the A420 and immediately had Pied Wagtail and Crow in the field and a group of Starlings perched on the distant overhead wire. As we went along the lane, we were treated to the song of our first Corn Bunting as well as distant Skylark. The usual small building was devoid of the Little Owl but as we continued along the track, we did see two Linnets, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greenfinch and two Stock Doves flying over. We had stops to have lovely views of a male Yellowhammer perched at the top of a nearby tree, more Corn Buntings and a number of Swallows, Swifts and House Martins flying overhead. One Red-legged Partridge was flushed from the path. Once we reached Rushmead Lane we had five Skylarks fluttering overhead and as we progressed along the lane, we had Blackbird, Pheasant, more Red-legged Partridge as well as distant Deer. We then drove on to Down Road to try for Quail, unfortunately they were not in evidence, but a distant Raven was added to our list. 21 Species in total. Thanks to everyone for attending. (Thanks to the Kempsons for leading – Ed). Sue Kempson