Tuesday 29 August – Hambrook. Leaders: Joyce Donkor and Kate Cashmore

On a cool, overcast day, with some very light misty showers, 26 birders started on the Frome Valley Walkway from the White Horse Inn, after a look from the stone bridge where a Grey Wagtail was seen in the river. At Moorend, 16 Mallards and a Moorhen were swimming in the river. The garden feeders there attracted Blue Tits and a Chaffinch. Soon Great Tits, Coal Tits and a Long-tailed Tit were added. A Swallow and 33 House Martins flew above the houses. The walk along the lane and up through the woods produced two calling Stock Doves, two Jays, a Bullfinch, four Goldfinches, three Goldcrests, and two Treecreepers. A Chiffchaff was also seen and heard. Some lucky people saw a Kingfisher flash past at the coffee stop by Damsons Bridge. Despite careful looking from all the bridges, no Dippers were seen this time, but a Grey Heron was striding through a field. The final fields were mostly quiet except for Robin, Wren and Woodpigeon. The only bird of prey for the day was a Buzzard. 28 species were seen. (Thanks to Kate and Joyce for leading). Kate Cashmore