Seven of us gathered at the Coppice Pond entrance, later joined by an eighth, at 7am for the final spring bird walk around the estate.
The highlight of the walk was the relocation of a singing male Pied Flycatcher which may have been the same on heard two weekends before in Cuckoo Nest Wood. This weekend he was singing in the oak woodland above Beckfoot Lane. He was very active flying from tree to tree singing.
A single Siskin was heard flying over Racecourse Plantation which could be either a late staying winter migrant or a potential breeding resident in one of the conifer plantations.
The cool strong breeze did it's best to disuade the birds from singing but with spring in full swing it failed to do so and many species were heard. There do, however, appear to be less Song Thrushes and Chiffchaffs this year, possible casualties of the long cold winter?
With leaves on the trees it is now getting hard to see the heather moorland at Heather Park which looks more like a young woodland every year and we're already losing the bird species which breed in the moorland habitat.
Nest sites for Treecreeper and Nuthatch made both easy to see.
With more to listen to the walk took almost three hours but as we were busy it flew by.
Thanks to all who attended.
Bird Walk - 18th April 2010
The first bird walk of the spring was well attended, thanks to those who took part.
The usual route clockwise around the estate starting at Coppice Pond was taken.
A pair of Tufted Duck on Coppice Pond were an early highlight.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard throughout and along the trail in Cuckoos Nest Wood the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker briefly broke the dawn chorus.
Chiffchaff and Song Thrush were largely absent though females of both were seen collecting nest material.
Coal Tits were very vocal in the conifer woodlands. Nuthatch were likewise in the oak trees.
Blackcaps have returned in decent numbers to Cuckoos Nest.
A pair of Little Owls were observed in their "usual" haunt.
A female Sparrowhawk was seen circling over the lower woodland edge.
The usual route clockwise around the estate starting at Coppice Pond was taken.
A pair of Tufted Duck on Coppice Pond were an early highlight.
Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard throughout and along the trail in Cuckoos Nest Wood the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker briefly broke the dawn chorus.
Chiffchaff and Song Thrush were largely absent though females of both were seen collecting nest material.
Coal Tits were very vocal in the conifer woodlands. Nuthatch were likewise in the oak trees.
Blackcaps have returned in decent numbers to Cuckoos Nest.
A pair of Little Owls were observed in their "usual" haunt.
A female Sparrowhawk was seen circling over the lower woodland edge.
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