An excellent group of 11, including walk leader Milja braved the alarm clock at 0430 on a cool but fine Sunday morning. First song (the Robin) was heard at around 0435, while we were setting off for the Silverlink bridge. Five minutes later we heard the first Blackbird, followed by Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush, Great Tit and Wren.
A highlight of the walk came soon afterwards when we listened to at least two Tawny Owls close by, hooting at one another. Shortly after this a large brown bird crossed our path; it was probably one of the owls, judging by alarm calls from other birds.
In total we saw (or heard) 22 species of bird: Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Song Thrush, Wren, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Tree Sparrow, Tawny Owl, Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Pied Wagtail, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Hedge Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch.
Surprising absentees were the Treecreeper, Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Jackdaw, Starling. The Great Spotted Woodpecker has been absent from the wood for the last few years.
After this rewarding walk, we retired to the Truly Inspirational Cafe at the Vane Tempest Hall for a well-earned and tasty breakfast.