Tintern 18 April – Angidy Trail Leader Graham Blacker

The weather forecast was wrong, who knew? An icy wind blew as 18 swiftly bundled up members assembled for a walk around the Angidy Trail. Nuthatches galore called and seemingly invisible Blackcaps sang as we headed out from the cars and started the climb up the hill. The first of many Buzzards was seen. Goldcrests made a brief appearance before we were dazed and confused again by Alan and his analemmatic sundials at Church Grove Cottage. Three Swallows whizzed past over the trees. Moving on, a Marsh Tit was heard but sadly not pinned down and Song Thrushes and a Green Woodpecker also told us they were there. At the ironworks, Grey and Pied Wagtails were present and as a surprise, two Red Kites wheeling away across the forest. Blue, Great and Coal Tits, Chaffinches and even a Blackcap were seen along the way. Coffee at the first pond gave us a pair of Mallards and a swift fly-by of a Dipper as we left. Further on, a Sparrowhawk was spotted and a variety of early Spring butterflies, Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue and Orange Tip. Lunch was held again in Sue’s lovely riverside garden, a resplendent male Chaffinch kept us company. Heading back we were treated to a display flight by Buzzards high above the valley. Thanks to Graham for leading and Sue for the kind use of her garden. 33 species in all. Alan Craddock