Tuesday 22 March – River Avon Leader: Judy Copeland

What a glorious day for a walk. We disappeared into the confines of Leigh Woods where Sue Prince’s sharp ears
picked out many of the usual woodland species as we walked towards the river, but I think we all managed
Chiffchaff and Nuthatch, and she later got a Blackcap. A woodland clearing with useful stumps provided an idyllic
setting for coffee. From the River Avon towpath a Common Sandpiper was quickly spotted on the opposite bank,
then a few Redshanks – some flying low over the water – eventually 37 were counted, massing as the tide raced
out. There were around 30 Mallards on the river, four Lesser Black-backed Gulls, one Oystercatcher and one
Shelduck, both occasionally seen here. A couple of Buzzards went over, but no Heron showed up. A flock of
corvids, Crows and Jackdaws, were on the field beside us. Three Coots and two Moorhens were on Ham Green
Lake with a number of Mallards, but no Grey Wagtail. The two Ravens who nest at Ham Green were seen in
flight. Three Brimstone butterflies were a delight. Then we wended our way under the railway viaduct and up
through the Pill alleyways back up to the cars. 34 species. (Thanks to Judy for leading). Judy Copeland