Saturday 25 April – Kilcott, Gloucestershire

 Five members gathered on a rather chilly morning, but the sun and walking soon warmed us – not to mention the bird song! A very loud Song Thrush started us off and soon we added Dunnock, Great Tit, Blackcap, Robin and Chiffchaff as we headed off down the valley. The fields and borders were magnificent with a brilliant display of primroses, cowslips, bluebells and much more. We soon added Blackbird, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker and Buzzard to the list, the latter trying to kid us with its Kestrel-like hovering. Great Spotted Woodpecker eventually showed itself well, but calling Stock Doves were elusive. There was the usual – ‘is it a Mistle or Song Thrush’ moment – both were seen and heard! Jay was heard as was Goldcrest, the latter always difficult to see. When we got to the mill pond we added Swallow, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Moorhen and Tufted Duck. As we walked through the village more Buzzards were overhead and two Sparrowhawks were seen in brief display as well as Raven. House Martins appeared as well as more Swallows. Then the long climb up to Hawkesbury. Near the top we added Treecreeper and Marsh Tit. Then, as we emerged above the woodland, Whitethroat was heard and Yellowhammer sang and showed itself, if rather distant. Linnet and House Sparrow ended the list which totalled 40 species. A good tally! Robin Prytherch