Tuesday 02 May – Oldbury Power Station – Leader Di Bunniss

On a dry and mild morning 25 members gathered in the car park where one early arrival had spotted a Grey Partridge. We set off through the meadow, to the first lake. There we stopped to watch the Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe. A great splashing in the shallow water was later confirmed as a large pike! A male Bullfinch watched from a high tree, Grey Herons flew over, Chiffchaffs called from the bushes and Linnets were spotted on the far bank. Moving on, we walked to the reed beds where Reed Warblers were vocal, Linnets, Whitethroats and Blackcaps were also heard. Skylarks and Lesser Whitethroats were heard calling further along and a Garden Warbler, which was very exciting. At this point many of the group then stopped, determined to pinpoint the Garden Warbler, and a few managed to spot it though a Chiffchaff was trying to be heard louder. Walking on along the coastal path we went by the Power Station and turned inland passing more reed beds and scrub. Cetti’s Warblers were heard, with more Whitethroats, Goldfinches and Willow Warblers. Two Swallows flew over. We ended the walk at the orchard, where the feeders didn’t seem to have any takers this time. The many bird boxes in the orchard were commented on and hopefully some will be used this year. 50 species were recorded. (Thanks to Di for leading) Di Bunniss