It was a slightly bleary eyed group that met in the car park at 5 in the monrning on Sunday. We were all here to experience one of the best natural spectacles in Britain, the dawn chorus in an English woodland. The group was still yawning but excited to be out and about, with the sound of birdsong all around. Even some drizzle couldn't dampen spirits. As we set off into the wood, the air was full with the song of thrushes, finches, tits and warblers. As we went round, the differences between each song were discussed.
In terms of sightings (or maybe that should be 'hearings'?) the morning was quite productive. We found three separate grasshopper warbler territories, plus plenty of blackcaps, garden warblers, chiuffchaffs, willow warblers and whitethroats. Both fallow and muntjac deer were seen and at one point a fox ran along the path in front of us. Somewhat worrying was the lack of cuckoos. Two years ago there were seven birds identified. Last year there were three. this year just one was heard, and then only briefly. The walk finished with a detour to look at the early purple orchids that have started to bloom (encouragingly in larger numbers than in previous years) before heading to the cafe for a restorative cuppa and a danish pastry!
If you missed this event, don't despair! We will be running another two walks, on 23 and 30 May. They start at 5 am and last three hours with gentle-paced walking over firm paths. Tickets cost £4 each. To book or for more details phone the centre on 01780 444691 or email toplodge@rspb.org.uk