12 of us met at Belstone Village on a very sunny and warm morning on Saturday 23 May. Our Leader for the day, Chris Walpole, who lives locally and has considerable local knowledge, led us down Belstone Cleave toward Skaigh. Amongst many otherbirds we saw on our way down were swift, linnet, willow warbler, black cap. One of our group who had never been there before remarked that it was one of the most beautiful places he had been for birdwatching and another commented on the most amazing sights he had seen. We crossed the River Taw over the footbridge and climbed up toward Skaigh Warren where we saw tree pipit, 2 male redstarts and a mistlethrushrunning around the ground. Other birds seen on our decent toward the river were siskin, grey wagtail, goldcrest, dipper and pied flycatcher. Some of us at the rear of the group were lucky to spot the pied flycatcher. Chris was surprised as he had never seen them in this area before and will return to the spot to see if there are more!!
Everyone had a wonderful day and a very special thanks to Chris who certainly knows the sight and sound of birds and was most helpful to the Group.
Total species – 43
Next Field Meeting – Sunday 7 June 0930 at Tavy Cleave – Meet Lanehead SX537823 – Leader Annabelle Strickland
