Tuesday 17 December – Wapley Bushes Leader: Alan Daniels

Sixteen birders set off from the nature reserve entrance on a dull, slightly drizzly day, but the rain soon stopped. A flock of 19 Long-tailed Tits were seen at the start. We walked along the edge of a field with a Magpie and a Blackbird in the grass, while hearing a Song Thrush singing from the trees. A Wren flew across, the first of three seen, and Jackdaw and Woodpigeons sat in the trees. We then entered the semi-natural ancient woodland, where Blue Tits and Great Tits and three Goldcrests were seen. We had coffee in a clearing with new tree planting replacing felled diseased Ash trees, and had good views of a flock of nine goldfinches and two Jays. On returning along a slightly boggy field, a Green Woodpecker was spotted flying up from the grass, perching for a while on a branch, and some people saw a second one in the wood. A total of 35 Redwings flew over and about 100 Starlings were perched on overhead wires. Other birds seen included Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail and Pheasant. A total of 24 species altogether .Thanks to Alan for leading, and keeping the bird list Kate Cashmore