Tuesday 13 June 2023 – Wapley Bushes Leader: Alan Daniells

Fourteen members met at the Shire Way entrance. It was sunny and dry, 21-25?C, with a light NE breeze. We crossed the railway bridge and walked through the orchard area, seeing many Meadow Brown butterflies and a Red Admiral. We crossed the main recreational area (Wapley Common) and through the uniformed groups area. In the Western Wood we heard Goldcrest amongst a group of conifers and a Song Thrush. We had coffee in the Upper Meadow where Bee Orchids were found amongst the Common Spotted. We walked through the semi-natural ancient woodland in a loop down and back up. A pair of Bullfinches were spotted in the woods, Treecreeper song heard, also Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming. Many Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were heard. A young Jay perched conveniently on a branch. Back in the Upper Meadow, we spotted some House Martins over distant trees. Two Ravens flew over. We crossed a wooden bridge into the Lower Meadow and walked diagonally down to the lower path where a Marbled White flew past. We spent some time enjoying the sight of a large dragonfly hunting flies. We then walked clockwise around the edge of the Lower Meadow, seeing a Small Copper and stopped for a picnic at the top. After lunch we walked back down by the woods past a large number of Common Spotted Orchids. We returned over the railway bridge and said our goodbyes. 30 bird species in total. (Thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells