Under a very hot sun eight members met for a walk around the Pan Mill Meadows site where 19 species of birds were recorded.
As we headed north from the meeting place at Shide, a Woodpigeon was seen taking nesting material to a nearby roof and we were lucky enough to see four Jays and a pair of Collared Doves. In the River Medina parallel with Medina Avenue were several Mallards and one duckling as well as a Moorhen with three young in tow. Other birds seen were Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Buzzard, Blackbird, Robin and Goldfinch, whilst heard but not seen were Great Tit Blackcap, Wren, Greenfinch and Coal Tit; overhead flew Black-headed Gull and Herring Gull.
Although listed in the programme as an ornithological walk there was much more to see and discuss. Among flowering stems of Meadowsweet, Purple loosestrife, Gypsyworet and Reed sweet-grass were several damselflies, namely Beautiful Demoiselle and Banded Demoiselle. Photo by Debbie Hart
Many butterflies were seen en route, like Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Comma.
After the circuit of Pan Mill Meadows had been completed some of us walked a short way along the cyclepath from Shide but added nothing to our lists except a possible sighting of a Purple Hairstreak butterfly on bramble flowers. This remains unconfirmed as no-one was quite quick enough with a camera!
A very short walk, a very hot day but most enjoyable and interesting. Sue Blackwell.