Tuesday 28 June – Luckington Leader: Graham Blacker

A delightful walk between Luckington and Sherston on a cool and windy Tuesday. As soon as the group of 21 set
off we counted Swifts and House Martins circling the village, with Sparrows chattering in the hedges and Wren
calling. On entering the churchyard, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Blackcap and Long-tailed Tits were seen. Onward we
spotted a Grey Wagtail high in a tree with a beak full of insects ready to feed a youngster heard calling. Goldfinch,
Chaffinch and Blackbird added to the list. Song Thrush delighted us with a variety of notes and calls. The route
took us past ancient cottages, and over a ford where we spotted a Buzzard. Along a country lane we heard and
saw Lesser Whitethroat, then we continued along a footpath, through a field of rippling barley, across meadows
alive with butterflies and insects. A short stop for morning coffee, then through more meadows, a field of waisthigh maize and a very hidden stile that took a bit of finding.. The final field held more swooping House Martins,
Swifts and possibly Swallows as well. A raptor darted from a tree and off into the distance which may have been a
Hobby! Thanks to Graham for leading. Di Bunniss