After three days of persistent heavy rain 13 members were pleased to be greeted by sunny weather at the start of the walk down to the valley. Meadow Pipit were plentiful and the first Cuckoo was soon heard and then glimpsed at a distance. As we dropped down Whinchat became abundant and great views were had of both females and males. Tree Pipit were also singing, parachuting and perching. Numerous Willow Warbler and Wren, with Blackbird, Robin and Chaffinch gave a busy sound track, as we walked along the valley floor. In the same area a striking Reed Bunting showed itself well.
Photos by Dave Batten
By now we had seen at least 4 Cuckoos, definitely two males and probably two females. At the lunchstop Siskin appeared along with a flock of 21 Herring Gull on their way to somewhere. Just after lunch the highlight for many was the view of a male Crossbill, which although well camouflaged, was obligingly chilling out. At least two other Crossbill were seen nearby. Redstart were heard and a male was at last seen at a distance.
The walk across to Challacombe added a few more Wheatear to our solitary one previously seen. The good weather was not to last and the heavens opened, hail included, though the nesting Swallows were not deterred. Our spirits were lifted by excellent views of a male Redstart and then a pair of Spotted Flycatcher, as we sheltered under the trees waiting for a slight lessening of the rain before we headed back. The full list totalled 42 species.
Phil Stevens
Grey Heron
Buzzard
Kestrel
Herring Gull
Great Black-Backed Gull
Woodpigeon
Cuckoo
Green Woodpecker [H]
Skylark
Swallow
House Martin
Tree Pipit
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Redstart
Whinchat
Stonechat
Northern Wheatear
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Blackcap [H]
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Goldcrest
Spotted Flycatcher
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Jay
Magpie
Jackdaw
Raven
Carrion Crow
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Siskin
Linnet
Crossbill
Reed Bunting