Trip reports

Local Walk - Holywell Dene 3rd October 2009

A sheltered spot - photo Clive Morphet

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Brian introduced the walk at and gave details of some of the history with regards to Holywell and surrounding area and reminded participants that much of the conservation of the area that was to be visited relied heavily upon volunteers. As we began to walk, it had looked like a fine clear day even if the winds were approaching gale force, but within a couple of minutes there was torrential rain. Luckily this was the last we would see of the rain for the day and by the time we entered the first hide the sun was shining and it stayed with us for the rest of the walk.
Birds sighted at Holywell Pond included Grey Heron, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, and growing numbers of Teal and Wigeon along with large flocks of gulls. As we took the pathway to the Dene, a Tortoiseshell butterfly was found. Shortly after 11am, we walked to the Dene and along the way Brian explained some more of the history of the area, including that of the Delaval family, who had acquired land in Holywell.
The Dene walk was tranquil despite the winds overhead, which had brought down large sections of tree. Bird life was scarce, but we did think we caught a fleeting sighting of a Treecreeper and later a mixed flock of birds including numbers of Long-tailed Tit were found deep in the hedges. There was a great atmosphere amongst participants who had enjoyed the walk and the few birds that had been seen and even the lone Blackbird caused some jovial excitement amongst the group.
The day wasn't over and our return to the pond brought added interest. A flock of Great Black-backed Gull was seen on the field near to the public hide and a flock of Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen on the pond. At the hide there was a discussion about whether or not a Water Rail had been spotted, but this turned out to be a juvenile Moorhen. It was in turn joined by another two youngsters and then finally by one of its parents. We were then joined by an incoming flock of six Whooper Swans which had probably recently arrived from breeding grounds in the north. This provided an excellent ending to the day.
The day finished with our bird list on thirty-three species. It had been an enjoyable day and had turned out much better than we had all thought it might during that earlier downpour. Sixteen participants had braved the strong winds and five of them have decided to become members of the Local Group.
Mark Smith.

Bird List
Near gale force winds meant that we were never going to have a lengthy list on this walk but there was enough interest to keep everyone smiling none the less.

Little Grebe
Grey Heron
Whooper Swan 5/6
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Mallard
Gadwall
Wigeon
Teal
Tufted Duck
Pheasant
Moorhen
Coot
Lapwing
Black Headed Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Greater Black Backed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Wren
Robin
Blackbird
Great Tit
Blue tit
Long Tailed Tit
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow Species = 33

Tortoiseshell Butterfly