Tuesday 16 August – Folly Farm Leader: Jean Oliver

Although the great heat of the past week had lessened it was still a very humid day. Thirty members met in the car park and were treated to a light shower, of which there were a number during the morning. Jean led us off to the ‘BOC hedge’ which a number of BOC members had planted some years before. There was also an impressive fence, although the gate needed some attention. Discussions were taking place regarding a bird of prey we had seen gliding down the hill and on balance it was decided it was a Sparrowhawk. Slowly the bird count was increasing and included Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Bullfinch. Another bird of prey, this one flapping quickly, was recorded as a Hobby. Later a distant feeding Raven was identified as a Buzzard when it took off. A total of 28 species were seen. Many thanks to Jean for leading. Beth Yates