The Next Guided Walk at Hillhouse Wood is the Spring Flower Walk
Following the successful Winter Bird Walk in March ( see report below), the next Guided Walk is the annual Spring Flower Walk on Saturday 27th April. Steve Hallam will lead the walk in and near Hillhouse Wood. Previously called the Bluebell Walk, it has become difficult to pick the optimum ‘bluebell’ date for the walk although there will always be plenty of Spring Flowers to see. The walk will start at the Old Church at 2pm.
Other upcoming Friends of Hillhouse Wood activities are:
- Dawn Chorus Guided Walk on Saturday 18th May, and
- Stall at the Village Fete on Saturday 6th July.
Winter Birds – Steve Hallam Reports
Of all the guided walks that I lead, the winter bird walk is the most unpredictable. The weather can be variable and off-putting, whilst at this time of year the birds move around looking for food. So, you can be never sure which species you will encounter and whether you will be able see or hear them through the driving rain or howling gale.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast was particularly discouraging and, bearing in mind that in the past there have been walks where no one turned up, I set off to the old church in the rain with some trepidation. However, it appears that people today are made of sterner stuff. As I arrived, I could see a knot of people already waiting and by the time of departure we had 19 souls assembled.
Under pressure!
Now I was under pressure to find some birds! Walking down the track was not very productive with just a Robin, a couple of Blue tits and two or three Carrion crows. By the time we got to the sharp corner in the track I was starting to wonder if today the cupboard would be bare. However, while admiring the view two thrush-like birds flew over our heads and into the top of a nearby Ash tree. Between us we were able to identify that they were Redwings – a good spot as there are few of these around at the moment.
Kestrel gave good views
As we approached the wood we spotted a Kestrel, sitting in clear view on an electricity wire. Although disturbed by our approach it merely moved to a nearby tree, affording us continuing good views. We continued towards the stream with little more than a singing Dunnock to arouse interest.
Impressive Red Kite
We then decided to walk towards Kings Vineyard. Part way there, I had stopped the group to impart some information when one of them called out: ‘Red Kite!’. And there, on the other side of the field, was a large and impressive bird. It used its avian skills to hang stationary in the wind, providing us with excellent views and, with helpful light, we were able to see its beautiful colouring and strongly forked tail. This was a bonus and for many would be the bird of the day.
We continued to the vantage point, where I had hoped to see some Yellowhammers. In the event there were none there, but just as we arrived the Red Kite reappeared and provided further excellent views. While we were watching it, I heard a distinctive mewing call away to our left, and before long we were able to pick out three Buzzards soaring over the fields. It had been well worth climbing the hill after all!
There were flowers as well
We then retraced our steps to the wood and came across a lovely patch of Primrose flowers. While we were admiring these someone with a pair of sharp eyes called out that they could see a Siskin in the tops of the Alder trees over our heads. Although not everyone was able to see the bird, its presence was confirmed by one of our party using the Merlin Sound bird identification app.
Treecreeper Creeping Up the Trunk
As we approached the lower pond, I saw a bird fly across the clearing onto the trunk of a tree on the other side. This revealed itself to be a Treecreeper, which several members of the party were able to observe as it climbed the trunk. As we continued through the wood on the wet and muddy paths, we looked out for any roving groups of mixed tits and other small woodland birds. However, all the Blue tits we encountered were on their own.
Last Sighting – a Yellowhammer
As we concluded our walk and headed back towards the old church we saw a small group of Linnets, distant views of the Buzzards, followed by a solitary Yellowhammer. Although there appeared to be fewer birds than normal, we all had a pleasant time, saw one or two standout birds and managed to miss the rain showers!