The forecast encouraged 27 walkers this overcast morning; the light levels rendered LBJs virtually colourless! Before we left the Rose and Crown car park, the Thrushes decorating the tall trees had been identified as both Fieldfare and Redwing, the tail-flicking Sparrow as a Dunnock and the flocks of others as House Sparrow. We headed right towards Parkfield where the grass below the hedge was alive with moving Skylark; one obliged us with a brief lift off and cascade of song. Meadow Pipits were also found within the flock. Turning towards the M4, we had brief views and sounds of a lone Siskin before it got fed up with being stared at and departed westward. As we joined the disused railway track, heading away from the M4, the overhang was lively with various Tit species, Chaffinches, Goldcrest, and a fully flushed male Bullfinch. The fields,obviously heavy with mud, had attracted a mix of gulls-Herring, Lesser Black-backed, Black-headed, and Common, which again were not disposed to stay and be stared at. A pair of Stock Doves flew over the clearing as we approached the remains of the pit-head buildings and the landfill of the abandoned brick clay quarry. Ducking under the road at the Dramway roundabout we headed East and collected a croaking Raven and a dozen cawing Rooks – looking set to nest in the trees on the ridge. Finally, walking past the Tumulus and across more muddy fields we arrived back to the sounds and sights of Jay, Goldfinch and a splendidly bright Greenfinch. A total of 35 species. Special thanks to Duncan for leading.
Nick and Annie Hawkridge