A dozen people – some beginners, others more experienced ornithologists – joined Dan Lupton on FROGS’ first Wildlife and Bird Identification Walk of 2016, in Willow Vale and Rodden Meadow, on Sunday morning.
With new leaf cover on many trees, much of the identification was by sound rather than by sight. Dan pointed out the differences between the blackbird’s deep-toned liquid song, the blackcap’s higher notes, the robin’s, wren’s and great tit’s songs.
“We saw buzzards, swifts and herring gulls high in the sky, as well as chaffinch, bullfinch, long-tailed tit, dunnock, blue-tit and chiff-chaff in the trees,” said Liz Hutchinson of FROGS.
“Dan also spotted the goldcrest, but this tiniest of British birds was almost impossible to see in amongst the foliage, only its song gave it away.”
FROGS’ next Wildlife Walk will be in search of bumblebees and wild flowers in Whatcombe fields on Saturday 18 June, meeting at 2pm at the gate onto the Missing Link cycle path at Low Water. This is a free walk and children are welcome to join us, but must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Information from: www.fromefrogs.org.uk or 01373 473909
