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Birding and Nature Group – Wakerley Woods, March 2019
The Forestry Commission’s Wakerley Woods was the venue for the Stamford U3A Bird Group; when 20 members assembled in the car park at 10.0am on Monday morning, 25th March 2019. Weather conditions were excellent; with a bright, cool and dry sunny day. The group walked along the main ride but the birds were keeping a low profile amongst the imposing tall conifer plantations. Therefore, it was time for everyone to “brush up their skills” and listen for the lovely songs and calls, to identify the singers!
The resident Wrens, Chaffinches, Blue, Great and Coal Tits were all in good voice, and the ornithologists were delighted to locate the “rattling, metallic trill” of a small number of Lesser Redpolls, deep in the pines. The only summer migrant heard was the Chiff Chaff and a few were observed in the trees, giving good views of this small warbler.
At 11am the far away ‘hooting’ of a Tawny Owl, drifted through the trees. This behaviour is normal for this species, which often wakes up briefly, and gives this contact song! As the sun got warmer, butterflies were encouraged to ‘take wing’, including the attractive male Brimstone, Peacock, and Comma. Patricia Dale logged 15 species of birds for the morning! Spring is here at last! The group then retired to The Royal Oak, at Duddington for a convivial chat and excellent lunch!
Philip Rudkin – photographs by Ian Baugh And Phil Rudkin.
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