Field Trip Meeting to Llanfairfechan & RSPB Conwy – Sunday, 20th November 2022 – report by Sue Brealey
On a windy clear day, a group of six members arrived at the Promenade at Llanfairfechan to do a sea watch. The tide was well in so it was a matter of waiting for the tide to start to retreat before seeing anything of interest. On the pond in the park area, a few Mallard were noted, and on the run out of the stream between the park and car park, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Herring Gull and Black headed Gull were seen. Scanning the sea towards Puffin Island, initially Great crested Grebe were seen and then on scanning towards the Great Orme, a few Common Scoter were seen, and then a Red-throated Diver was seen on the surface, occasionally diving. In the distance towards Anglesey, Pintail were noted, plus a few Cormorant. As the tide receded, waders started to come to feed on the exposed beaches included Oystercatcher, Redshank, and Turnstone. Jackdaws came to the Stream estuary.
As it was decided that not much more would be of interest, and having been in the area for a couple of hours, the group decided to go around to Morfa Madryn, but on arrival it was noted that the very small car park was occupied by British Rail workers doing maintenance on the nearby railway. It was decided to go to RSPB Conwy instead. It was noted that the group had seen a total of 16 species.
On arrival at RSPB Conwy, it was found that major works were been carried out. The Café was being expanded, with the toilets going into a new position which were more friendly to visitors with disability issues. As a result, temporary ‘Portaloos’ were in the car park. The group started into the reserve. The weather at the time was clear with scattered clouds, with a temperature of 10.3˚C. A short walk brought the group to the Boardwalk Viewpoint, from where Black headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Coot, Gadwall, Herring Gull, Lapwing were noted. Then the group moved around to the Tal-y-fan Hide. Here Great White Egret, Little Grebe, Magpie, Moorhen, Mute Swan, a Shelduck and a flock of Shoveler and Teal were noted. Again, having decided further birds would been seen at another hide, the group along and first they came to a revised bird feeding station, where the usual suspects were including Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Song Thrush, but also a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying through and a Wren was seen amongst a reed bed. The group then moved onto the Carneddau Hide, and here there were some unexpected finds. The sun was low so observing was not easy, amongst these were Goosander, Long tailed Duck, and Red breasted Merganser and very well hidden on the shore line was a resting Common Scoter. Other birds seen included Grey Heron, Moorhen, Tufted Duck. The group split at this point, and the second group saw Stone chat, Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch & Bullfinch. On return to the reception area, a return visit to the bird feeding station added Chaffinch & Reed Bunting.
On a day when the weather was a great deal better than expected, the group had seen a total of 43 species, it was decided that all had had a good day.
Field Trip Meeting to RSPB Burton Mere – 9th October 2022 – report by Sue Brealey
On a day which had been predicted to be on the rainy side, a group of 8 members turned up at Burton Mere to find clear skies with the temperature at 8ºC, with gusts of wind at times. Another 2 members arrived, but went round the reserve separately which was fine, as long as all enjoyed themselves.
On arrival at the visitor centre, we were welcomed with skeins of Pink footed Geese flying over, a lovely sight & sound to start of the day. The group started to look over the scrap in front of the centre and noted considerable numbers of Teal, well over 100. In amongst them were the usual Black headed Gulls, a Lesser Black backed Gull, Carrion Crow flying over, a few Graylag Geese, some Mallard, a few Shovelers, but also waders including Lapwing, Avocet, Ruff, Snipe, at least 10 Black tailed Godwit and a Curlew Sandpiper. These were welcome additions to the list. A Pink footed Goose landed, and after a rest having obviously just arrived from migration, it started to drink long & hard. When scanning to reeds towards the back, a couple of Marsh Harrier were noted, one of which had a successful hunt for prey, as well as some Jackdaws flying around. At one point all the duck and most of the waders flew up in panic and this had been caused by a Sparrowhawk flying amongst them then going off towards the power station, which was a good sighting.
It was decided to walk all the way round to the far hide. During the pandemic a great deal of work was carried out in this area, including disabled access through to the new hide, called the Border hide, which has replaced the older Inner Marsh hide. On the way the feeding stations were inspected but they were empty of birds, although full of food. Further on, the group stopped at the Reedbed Screen, where Moorhen, Coot, a well-hidden Snipe and a Little Grebe were noted. Then it was the Bridge Screen, after having seen a Great White Egret fly over, and here there were plenty of duck, including lots of Teal & Shoveler, but Gadwall were added to the list as well as Shelduck. A pair of small Grebe were scrutinised as there were reports of Slavonian Grebe, but after careful inspection, it was concluded they were both Little Grebe. Along the way to the new walkway, Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard, as well as Robin, Long tailed Tits were noted, and Wren was heard.
Then it was onwards to the Border hide, walking along the new walkway. At the junction with the old track, there were a number of birders looking out for a reported Firecrest & Yellow browed Warbler, but no reports of sightings were to be had. On approaching the nide, a Cetti’s Warbler made itself heard, if not seen. Once at the new hide, it was decided to have a lunch break, while seeing what was about. Unfortunately, there were 3 dead birds on the scrap, one of which was definitely a Pink footed Goose, the others being geese sized. Whether this was due to the Bird Flu epidemic was not established, but a Magpie came across for some scavenging. However, birds which were sighted included Canada Goose, further Black tailed Godwit, Teal, Shoveler, Mute Swans, Pied Wagtail, a Cattle Egret, a flash of a Kingfisher flying past, a group of 4 Skylark, a Stove Dove and Woodpigeon were added to the list.
After lunch the group started on the return walk, and went up to the railway bridge for an oversight of the reserve and to see if anything was about. Blackbird, a Kestrel and Buzzard were noted. A Green Woodpecker called out loudly. On the return walk a stop was made at the Marsh Covet hide, nothing was seen, so after a rest the group returned to the Visitors Centre. A kestrel was noted to have caught some prey and was perched on a fence post, but it was harried by a crow and moved off.
After a brief discussion it was decided to move down to the Burton Marsh area to see if there was anything interesting of note to be seen. Although the temperature had risen over the day to about 14ºC, the skies had become a bit more overcast & cloudier. Black headed Gulls, a Lesser Black Gull, Carrion Crow, some Rooks and Greylag Geese were initially seen. Further scrutiny found a couple of Little Egret, some Jackdaws, Lapwing Starling, a Wren was heard. Then a male Stonechat was seen perched at the top of a bush, which came and went which was really lovely. As the group broke up to start thinking about the journey home, further large skeins of Pink footed Geese were seen going over head, at least 500+, which was a great ending to our day to Burton Mere.
As ever it was concluded that everyone had had a good day, with a day’s list counting 48 was extremely good.
Field Trip Meeting to Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve – 18th September 2022 – report by Sue Brealey
After the summer break, a group of five members arrived at Brandon Marsh, near Coventry, in the hope of having a good day of birdwatching. The weather was cooler than recent temperatures, showing that Autumn is on the way. The skies were a bit cloudy, with a temperature of about 16ºC, and later in the day, showers threatened, but didn’t actually happen. Having entry sorted out (Wildlife Trust members free), and use of the facilities made the group started out towards the reserve. At the feeding station, the list started with Great Tit, Blue Tit and Robin.
The group walked into the reserve proper, and started along the Kingfisher trail around the north of the area, walking along towards the first hide, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon were noted as well as hearing Wren on a long walk, with not much reward. However, as the group approached the Wright Hide, a Mute Swan was seen on Swallow Pond. At the hide it was found to overlook the main scrape at East Marsh Pool. Amongst the ducks, were wigeon, Teal. Mallard. Shoveler, and Gadwall, all in different stages of eclipse. Also at least 5 Snipe were noted all feeding away with no attempts at sculking. Black headed Gull, Cormorant, plenty of Lapwing and Moorhen were noted. Having decided to that the extent of species had been seen the group started to go on round towards the Jon Baldwin hide, but found this was full of birders, so walked along to the next hide. This proved to be The Mick Taylor Hide overlooking the River Pool. The group decided to have lunch here, and birds seen were a welcome Green Sandpiper, more Snipe, a group of 3 flying in to feed in the shallows. A kestrel was seen perched in the dead tree, the only raptor of the day. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen, but in another tree. As well, Teal was also feeding.
After lunch the group moved out and walked to the John Walton hide, which also overlooked the East Marsh Pool from a different angle, and here was a feast in that along with the snipe, a Ruff was noted and also a Common Sandpiper. A lesser Black backed Gull, and a female Tufted Duck were seen as well as a Grey Heron. A group of Starling were noted amongst the Lapwing, and a Pied Wagtail hopped about. A few Swallows flew around. Some of the group walked towards the Carlton hide where Jay, Willow Warbler, Long tailed Tit, Chiffchaff were added to the list. The group then started to walk around back towards and passed the Mick Taylor hide, and along towards the Steetley hide. This proved to be a small hide and was occupied with photographers, and it was difficult to see anything, so the group, turned around and followed the trail back around through woodland until back to a central area where the group had initially started along the Kingfisher Trial. It was starting to look as if dark clouds were gathering so as it was coming up for 3.30pm, the group went back to the Visitor Centre, some having a drink before travelling home. At the feeding centre, a Coal Tit was added to the list, as well as a Grey Squirrel entertaining all with its antics at feeding on the peanuts!!
It was concluded that the journey had been worth it with a total number of species being at 34.
Field Trip Meeting to Woolston Eyes – 12th June 2022 – report by Jock & Mim Elliot-Smith
This Field Trip saw five of us led by Estelle Hughes to Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve. This is a permit-only nature reserve of over 200 hectares managed by a Conservation Group with the agreement of the owners, the Manchester Ship Canal Company. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
A bright and rain-free day, at times sunny but never quite as warm as one might have wished, due to a modest but cool breeze. A Buzzard being mobbed by some Carrion Crows attracted our attention in the small car park, and a Grey Heron flew under the footbridge into the reserve as we were about to cross. At the same time, we saw two Jays. The song of the Chiff Chaff seemed ever present as we made our way to the Viewing Screen, with a Nuthatch readily seen on a tree by the path, as were two Goldfinches on a dead tree nearby.
The Viewing Screen gave us our first view of the pools. Black-headed Gulls accompanied by their chicks attracted attention straightaway with their raucous calls. Difficult to count in view of the large number of reed and iris covered islands dotted around, but we were struck by the large number of Gadwall, with a lesser number of Tufted Duck and one or two Common Pochard. Mallard, too, were seen, but not in numbers, and a Little Grebe and chick attracted our attention. A singing Reed Bunting was heard and seen in the reeds, as happened in each of the hides we visited. We had frequent sightings of quartering Marsh Harriers, always female, which had to evade attacks from time to time from the Gulls, when straying rather close to their breeding platforms. We then had our first sighting of a pair of Black-necked Grebes, the species for which this reserve is particularly known, as we believe holds around 25% of the country’s breeding pairs, between 50 and 100 nationally.
A move to the Sybil Hogg hide gave us a Speckled Wood and Azure and Blue Damselflies, and some Broad-bodied Chasers, but the coolish weather did not produce many butterflies; a Red Admiral was later seen. A singing Common Whitethroat was around and we had two Blackcaps singing against each other not more than 30 ft apart.
From the Tower Hide we had Great Crested Grebe, a Greylag Goose and a party of Canada Geese. We noted that we had seen no hirundines but a few Sand Martins were seen later. At this hide we also saw three or four more Black-necked Grebes and a Kingfisher flashed past the front of the hide but did not stop unfortunately. We also came across two Lapwings. Other species seen were one or two Swifts, a Kestrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Water Rail was heard.
A move to the John Morgan hide gave us some stunning views of four Bullfinches, all male, on the feeders. Greenfinch, Great Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker joined them. Coot had been ever present earlier, but here we saw a raft of some 40 adults.
A further walk through the meadows brought us to the last two hides we visited: The Frank Linley and the Warrington Rotary hides – a Hobby seen and a Stock Dove heard. We watched for some time some particularly aggressive behaviour between two Great Crested Grebes, sometimes moving at speed underwater. We were not sure what the issue was. Certainly one had a chick close by. A Common Pochard had four young with her, but one seemed to be a Black-necked Grebe baby which was staying close to its adopted family.
A lovely day, well spent, with 47 species of bird noted.
Weekend Field Trip Meeting to Somerset – 19th May to 22nd May 2002 – report by Sue Brealey
After 7 years, and following no weekend trips due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a group of 13 members had booked onto this year’s return trip to the Somerset Levels, staying at Glastonbury.
On Thursday, 19th May, a group of 11 members met up at WWT Steart Marshes, at the mouth of the river Parrot, which is being used as part of the flood defences further into the Somerset Levels, and will be part of the new Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve which was announced on this day. The weather was clear, with some cloudy with 16ºC temperature range. The group firstly walked towards the Quantock hide, and saw and/or heard Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Reed Warbler were noted flying around the reed bed. Once at the hide, those birds seen included Avocet with a number of chicks feeding independently, Little Ringed Plover sitting on a nest, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Shelduck, & Teal. A walk to the Mendip Hide provided good views of a Peregrine flying around together with sightings of Magpie, Great Black Backed Gull, with a Skylark singing in the sky, a real treat. A Marsh Harrier quartered over its territory for some time. Added to these species were included Woodpigeon, Swallow, Jackdaw, Canada Goose, & Carrion Crow. Other group members walked to the Parrot Hide and the following were added to the list as a result – Blackbird, Cuckoo, Dunnock, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Pheasant, Whitethroat, Herring Gull, Kestrel, Raven, Buzzard, Wheatear, Gadwall, Great White Egret, Linnet, Curlew, Blue Tit.
On Friday, 20th May, the group at breakfast discussed the weather which was inclement, so it was decided not to go to RSPB Ham Wall, which does not have much cover, and instead to go to Catcott Complex Nature Reserve, where there is a hide close to the car park. So the group arrived at the carpark to start birding at about 10am. The weather was wet, with drizzle & wind with the temperature being around 12ºC, clearing later. During the morning, the bird watching was good, observing over the lakes and reed beds, Canada Geese with chicks, Coot, Mallard, several Gadwall, Mute Swan, Shoveler & Teal were seen. A Marsh Harrier was seen on a regular basis, quartering the reed beds. A flock of 18 Black tailed Godwit flew in to a scrape not visible from the hide after they landed. Several Great White Egret were seen as well as Grey Heron and then a Buzzard was mobbed by Carrion Crow. This upset Lapwings. A stonechat was seen on top of a reed. The rain started to abate and Swallow, House Martin & Swift were seen flying over the reserve. Other sightings including Blackbird, Wren, Pied Wagtail. The group broke up to go towards Ham Wall, but a couple went to investigate other parts of Catcott and they saw or heard the following that could be added to the list: – Blackcap, Cetti’s Warbler, Blue Tit, Cattle Egret, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Greylag Goose, Jay, Kingfisher, Lesser Black backed Gull, Little Egret, Magpie, Pheasant, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler.
After the short trip to Ham Wall, people had lunch and then started into the reserve. Chaffinch was noted at the feeding station. After a short while, Cetti’s Warbler, Garden Warbler, Willow Warble, & Whitethroat were heard among the trees & Shrubs. Walking towards the bridge over a river, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Great Tit & Dunnock were noted, and from the bridge Mute Swan were seen on the distant waterways. Walking further into the reserve, a Bittern flew over the track, a great start to the trip. The group came up to a viewing area, and here the group stopped to see what would be seen. Marsh Harrier were noted quartering over the reeds, sometimes mobbed by Carrion Crow. Great Crested Grebe were seen with chicks, Lesser Black Backed Gull and Black Headed Gull flew across. Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck & a male Pochard were noted. What was notable was that only one Grey Heron was seen, but Great White Egret were plentiful, with a few Little Egret, and a couple of Glossy Ibis flew past, a great sight. Swift & Swallow were seen flying about and later a call heard which was unfamiliar but proved to be a group of 3 Whimbrel flying around, chatting amongst themselves! They entertained everyone for quite some time. Bitterns intermittently flew around. Reed & Sedge Warblers were noted in the reed bed. The group split up to wander the reserve, As time went on the group went to the hide opposite the viewing platform, where Black Tailed Godwit were seen and Hobby was noted hunting for food on the fly. A Cormorant flew across with Moorhen feeding for young. At the end of the day, on the way back to the car park, a Barn Owl flew over the group, not seen by all which was regretted. Other sightings by the whole group included, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Lapwing, Redshank, Woodpigeon, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Coot, Jay.
On 21st May, the group gathered at RSPB Greylake, hoping to add to the existing long list. In the car park, Chaffinch and Woodpigeon were noted on the way to the route through the reed beds to the hides. Along the route, Cetti’s Warbler & Wren was heard, then Reed Warbler. Once at the first hide, Mallard, Gadwall & Greylag Goose were seen, the latter having chicks. Little Grebe and Moorhen were seen then a Grey Heron flew across the area, then A Little Egret was noted coming out of the reeds, and a Great White Egret dropped in. Cormorant flew over and then the bird everyone had hoped for was seen in the distance, a pair of Common Crane. These were studied as they moved amongst the fields behind the reed beds, so a full sighting was difficult. Later a Bittern flew over. The group moved to the other hide and from there Magpie, Carrion Crow were noted as well Marsh Harrier quartering over the reed beds, and then a Reed Bunting was seen on top a reed. House Martins & Swifts were observed. A snipe flew across and then the pig squeal of a Water Rail was heard. Other birds seen included Raven and Kestrel.
The group then moved on to the car park at Ham Wall, where lunch was eaten. After this the group walked over to Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve, which is on the opposite side of the road. The group walked along the old railway track, going past a woodland area before coming to an area of water surrounded by reedbed, where a hide was situated. In the woodland area, Cetti’s Warbler, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Wren and Whitethroat were noted mainly by song. In the lake, Great Crested Grebe were seen with chicks, along with Mallard, Gadwall, Coot, Mute Swan, & Pochard. A couple of pairs of Greylag Geese and their families were watched, while in the background Bitterns booming echoed over from Ham Wall. Kestrel was seen hovering while hunting, and then Hobby was seen scanning for food over the water. Lesser Great Backed Gull was seen followed by a Buzzard. A large flock of Jackdaw was seen dancing around the skies. Other species seen included Herring Gull, Jay, Little Egret, Raven, Little Egret, and Sparrowhawk.
On the next day, Sunday 22nd May, the group split up to return home for various reasons. However, one couple decided to visit WWT Slimbridge and while there they added Collared Dove & Rook to the list. The group had agreed that they had all enjoyed the weekends activities and with a list totalling 86, it was judged to be a success.
Field Trip Meeting to RSPB Ynys-hir – 3rd April 2022 – report by Mim & Jock Elliot-Smith
9 members of SOS met at 10am in at RSPB Ynys-hir on a beautiful sunny, if slightly nippy, April morning.
Our arrival at the reserve was heralded enthusiastically by a calling Nuthatch, and our list got off to a good start even before we left the car park with Blackbird, Blackcap, and Chiffchaff singing in the trees, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Nuthatch and Chaffinch on the feeders, and Moorhen, Teal and Kingfisher on the pool below the picnic area. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming, and we added Dunnock, Pheasant, Bluetit, Siskin, Red Kite and Carrion Crow to the list. Our RSPB Visitor Engagement Officer, Roger, gave us a brief talk about the current situation on the reserve: a nesting pair of Red Kite and also breeding Lapwing, and reports of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.
As we moved on into the reserve, we saw a large number of Oystercatchers a fair distance way on the estuary, with Mallard, Canada Geese and Shelduck also in view. Along the trees and hedges lining the path down to the railway bridge we spotted a Robin, and while focussing in on a very close Song Thrush, also became aware of a soaring Sparrowhawk – the bright sunlight making the wings and tail appear almost translucent against the clear blue sky. In the trees, an elusive Goldcrest and Treecreeper were heard and fleetingly seen.
Further on down the path we were treated to a closer view of a male Blackcap.
From the Marian Mawr hide, facing into a cool breeze, we saw Little Egret, Coot, a few Redshank and a brief view of a couple of flying Snipe. A black-tailed Godwit was identified, alongwith Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall on the water. A Reed Bunting appeared briefly on the willows beside the water.
Outside the hide, in the warmer sunshine and sheltered from the breeze, views down to the estuary added Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Curlew to the list. Two Pied Wagtails were seen on a large dead branch, a Meadow Pipit on the willows, and a Cormorant was spotted flying over the water. Walking on to the Saltings Hide, we spotted a fidgety Wren and and pair of Reed Buntings showed themselves beautifully on the bank.
From the Saltings Hide, we were treated to further views of Teal, Redshank, Canada Geese, and Meadow Pipit. A pair of Stonechat showed themselves well on a fence, and six to eight Curlew were seen on the grass in the distance. A pair of Great Black Backed Gulls were displaying, and a Raven flew over, adding itself to the list.
Walking from the Saltings Hide back to the Visitor Centre for lunch, the distinct song of a Willow Warbler was heard. The path cutting through slate rock was edged with Navelwort and wild Primroses. Lunch was taken at the picnic area outside the visitor centre, where a Cetti’s Warbler was heard and a Buzzard flew overhead.
The afternoon route took us through the woodland, where we spotted Treecreeper, a female Stonechat and a Wheatear standing out well on the grassy area. Further on was a Heron, and a Cormorant with visible breeding patch, and a Cetti’s Warbler once again called for attention.
From the Ynys Feurig Hide there were further views of Canada Geese, Heron, and a Great White Egret added itself to the list. From here we also had our first view of Lapwing – just the one.
After leaving this hide, following the boardwalk, we saw a Rook before ascending the woodland path lined with Wild Strawberries, Violets, Wood Anenome and Lesser Stitchwort to the Ynys Hir Hide. Despite a wonderful view of the estuary, no further species were seen from here, and we returned to the Visitor Centre. A total count of 52 species seen and/or heard.
Field Trip Meeting to RSPB Leighton Moss – 20th March 2022 – report by Ian Baggley
On a glorious spring day, and having to put up with road works & lane closures for what looked like no purpose (!!), 7 members met at the car park. The group proceeded to the Causeway with a first highlight being a close and prolonged views of a Marsh Tit, followed by at least 2 Bittern booming. Other notable species seen were Peregrine Falcon, Cetti’s Warbler, and the first of many sightings of Marsh Harrier, together with lots of comer wetland and woodland species. The Group then moved on to the coastal trail where lunch was taken, and watching huge numbers of waders mainly Black tailed Godwits, Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Avocet. The group then went to the central part of the reserve where Marsh Harriers performed almost constantly for everyone. Other highlights were Great White Egret, Pintail, and Garganey, a nice male that slept all the time. All told over 60 species were seen by the Group. (NB. Thank you to Ian for substituting me in leading this field trip due to health issues. Sue Brealey)
Field Trip Meeting to Wood Lane NR – 20th February 2022 – report by Sue Brealey
On a blustery day, with Storm Eunice & Storm Franklin, 3 stalwarts arrived at Colemere for the published field trip to Colemere. However, after discussion, it was felt that walking around the mere in unknown conditions if trees had felled etc with very slippery conditions, it would be safer to move the meeting to Wood Lane NR. After waiting to see if any other members would decide to come, the agreed move took place.
Once sheltered in the hide, initial species included a couple of Oystercatcher, a few Black headed Gulls, Canada Goose, a few Cormorant, Mallard, Teal, Shelduck & Woodpigeon. A Kingfisher flew through very quickly. Around the feeding station by the left of the hide, Blackbird, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit & Robin were seen. At the other side, the birds seen including Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch and Coal Tit were much more reticent about staying on the feeders, but then a Sparrowhawk flew through and proved why the birds were so shy. A Grey Squirrel was also using the feeders. Otherwise, the birds seen included, Lapwing, a Raven flying overhead, Carrion Crow. Moorhen & Coot.
With the weather beginning to get a bit blustery, and early finish was decided on.
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