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Birding and Nature Group – Clipsham Yews, May 2019
A warm and sunny, dry morning, greeted the Stamford U3A Birding and Nature Group, on Monday morning, 20th May 2019. Eight members assembled in the car park, at Yew Tree Avenue, Clipsham .
The entourage moved off down the avenue, listening intently to the fabulous bird-song. Although the resident birds were busy feeding young, the summer migrants were in good voice; including, the warblers: Chiff Chaff, Blackcap, and Garden Warbler. Time was taken to explain the various song patterns; and to add one resident singer , the Chaffinch.
The naturalists then moved on to the woodland trail area, where the Garden Warblers were singing their wonderful deep, throaty song from the thick scrub cover. Suddenly, the listeners were delighted to hear 2 Cuckoos (at either end of the trail), singing constantly. ‘Time stood still’; as this was a precious moment: the Cuckoo is a declining species, and not heard very much in recent years.
After admiring the seasonal wild flowers, and the beautiful sight of the masses of flowers on the Hawthorn bushes; they made their way gradually along the trail, back towards the car park; the silvery wisps of songs from Willow Warblers floated through the trees. Finally, the songs of the resident Dunnocks were noted: which is good news for the Cuckoo; the Dunnock being the main host for the female Cuckoo to lay her egg in the nest: in this habitat of woodland and farm hedgerows.
Members then visited the Stamford Garden Centre Restaurant, in Casterton Road for lunch, and a convivial chat on the mornings proceedings.
Philip Rudkin
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