Walks W/C 3rd May
4th May – Nutcombe Bottom to Bats Castle
Very windy day and with a walking group, so nothing or interest seen or heard.
6th May – Nutcombe Bottom around Whits Wood
Another quiet day, not even a Cuckoo.
7th May – Nutcombe Bottom to Bats Castle again
Heard then saw a Wood Warbler, a very vocal Cuckoo mainly when we were in the wooded area so no chance of seeing it.
On the open ground near Bats Castle a pair of Mistle Thrushes collecting food. Also Stonechat seen and then lower in the valley a male Grey Wagtail (males have a black bib in the breeding season). Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers heard but it was windy at times which made listening for the bird calls difficult.
8th May – Carhampton to Deer Park & return via Horse Pond.
Lots of Swallows over a mown field. Song Thrushes singing all over the place, also Chiffchaffs. A Raven called overhead and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard in the distance.
Saw 3 small herds of Red Deer perhaps 22 in all.