Tuesday 12 April – Barrow Gurney Leader: Geoff Harris

Surprisingly, only 16 turned up for this lovely walk although the weather forecast had not been optimistic. Immediately we left the car park we saw Green Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff and Great Tit along with many other usual suspects, so many in fact we thought we may as well stay put for the three hours! We all continued heading towards Barrow tanks, taking our lives in our hands by crossing the A38. Cormorant, Little Egret, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe and Mallard were soon noted, plus our first Swallow of the year. We headed down lanes and through fields encountering Greenfinch, House Martin, Skylark, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Song and Mistle Thrush and the most beautiful pair of posing Bullfinch showing really well. We took a very welcome stop for coffee at a convenient barn, which looked like it was about to collapse at any moment. Returning through country lanes, Willow Warbler was heard and eventually spotted. All told we saw 37 species in what turned out to be a splendid walk which surprisingly ended in rather warm conditions. Thanks to Geoff for leading. Graham Blacker