RSPB Walsall Local Group
a million voices for nature
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RSPB Walsall Local Groupa million voices for nature |
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6 Jan 2002
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Our first trip of the New Year saw us travelling to Ellesmere in Shropshire. Walsall was shrouded in mist, which steadily thickened as we approached Telford. Entering Shropshire, the mist cleared to reveal snow still lying in the fields and no sign of the thaw we had at home. The Mere was our destination, a popular spot, even in midwinter, and the snow had been compacted to a sheet of ice. Making our way slowly round the lakeside path we picked up the usual species expected in a woodland/ water habitat. The first piece of excitement came when someone glimpsed a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker high up in the trees. The bird proved to be elusive at first, but after several minutes of patience we had very good views as it settled on a dead tree and probed for insects. |
As we moved on, a Buzzard appeared over a hill, closely pursued by a Raven, both birds had disappeared from view within seconds. Walking in single file through the woods at the end of The Mere, a Tawny Owl was put up; it paused briefly in a tree long enough to be noticed by a large number of Jackdaws who proceded to mob it as it flew silently through the trees and out of sight.
Following lunch, we walked along the Shropshire Union Canal towards Cole Mere. The smaller Meres on the way were still frozen and the ice on the canal had been broken by boats, it was easily three inches thick, proving how cold the weather had been and a good reminder to make sure the bird feeder in the garden at home is kept well stocked.
The light was fading fast as we came over the hill back to the car park to end the day, and with around 58 different species seen, a very enjoyable one.
Mike Pittaway (Field Trips Organiser)
Other birds seen included:
Moorhen
Coot
Redwing
Sparrowhawk
Nuthatch
Song Thrush
Goldeneye
Siskin
BH Gull
Blackbird
Mistle Thrush
Chaffinch
Blue Tit
Coal Tit
Goldfinch
Mallard
Common Gull
Little Grebe
Cormorant
Crow
Woodpigeon
Starling
Magpie
Tufted Duck
Shoveler
Long-tailed Tit
Pochard
Great Crested Grebe
Canada Goose
Goosander
Ruddy Duck
Greenfinch
Collared Dove
Teal
Pied Wagtail
Grey Heron
Dunnock
Herring Gull
Great Tit
House Sparrow
Tree Creeper
Goldcrest
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Wigeon
Feral Pigeon
Lapwing
Robin
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Fieldfare
Mute Swan
Kestrel
Meadow Pipit