Tuesday 18 January – Dolebury Warren Leader: Mark Watson

On a chilly, cloudy day 22 members met at the Crown in Churchill for a walk over Dolebury Warren. As we set off
up the slope from the pub car park Jackdaws were in the trees along with Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wood
Pigeon, Magpie, Wren and the first of several Robins. A solitary Greenfinch was seen by some and a small flock
of Goldfinches and a Coal Tit. A couple of raucous Jays and quieter Great Spotted Woodpecker showed. Beyond
the hillfort we passed through a small wood and saw a couple of Ravens overhead and a Sparrowhawk in the
distance over Rowberrow Forest. We paused for coffee and one eagle-eyed member, with the aid of a telescope, picked out Meadow Pipits in the tussocky grass and also a Stonechat. Returning back towards the hillfort three
Buzzards were circling overhead. As we descended though Rowberrow Bottom a few Long-tailed Tits flitted about
the trees. A Goldcrest was spotted in a conifer along with Blue Tits and Great Tits. Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, and
Mistle Thrush were also seen. In all we saw 30 species. (Thanks to Mark for leading). Mark Watson