Bird Meeting, 25th June 2017 at Mersley Farm

Nine members met at The Garlic Farm on a lovely but windy morning. A Turtle Dove was seen and heard last year  and they have been heard in the vicinity in recent years however, this year we had no luck.  Whilst in the car park we saw or heard Herring Gull, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Swallow, Greenfinch, Rook, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail and Mistle Thrush. We also saw six Buzzard soaring in the thermals. During the walk on the farm we also saw Jay, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Crow, Pheasant, Swift and Robin and heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Blackbird, Skylark, Wren, Great Tit and Long Tailed Tit. We also saw a Moorhen on one of the fishing ponds. Four of us then crossed the road and walked a short loop taking in a conifer wood. In the wood we had good views of a Red Squirrel, Coal Tit and Goldcrest. In all we had 31 species of birds. We also had a selection of butterflies: Marbled White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell. Comma and Ringlet. Jackie Hart