Trip reports

Field Trip to Coombes Valley and Churnett Valley

Wednesday, 23 April 2008

The forecast was good but as we left Runcorn after heavy rain the outlook didn't look very good. On arrival at Coombes Valley the mist was still covering the hills and the sky was grey and the air felt somewhat chilly.

The new Visitors' Centre was open but unmanned. Information on recent sightings was posted and a Trail Guide leaflet was available at the entrance to the walk. Swallows soared above us as we gathered in the car park. At the feeder station members of the tit family were busy on the nuts with Dunnock and Chaffinch feeding on the ground.

As we started down the trail Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Robin and Wren were seen and in the distance Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap could be heard.

The trail led us down the hill through open grassland and as we reached the bottom of the hill we entered an area of woodland. As we approached Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Long tailed Tit were observed in amongst the Silver Birch trees. A little further on we came to a wooden bridge overlooking a brook from where we saw Grey Wagtail but no Dipper.

We made our way up through the woods until we reached the summit from where we had beautiful views over the surrounding moorland. After the heavy rain the steps down the hillside were slippery and one member slipped over but with no ill effect. We descended again to reach the Pond where one Canada Geese was sunning itself while the other sat on a nest on an island. Numerous bat and bird boxes were present but on observation only Great Tit appeared to be nesting and no signs of the listed Pied Flycatcher were spotted.

Although Redstart was listed as being present in many of the old buildings where they had previously nested, these have now been refurbished and so the nesting sites have now disappeared.

As we emerged from the woodland we caught sightings of Buzzard being mobbed by Carrion Crows. Raven and Sparrowhawk also flew overhead.

We returned to the car park and sat at the picnic tables having our lunch while watching the birds at the feeder station.

After lunch we travelled through the countryside to nearby Consall Nature Park, which is situated within the beautiful valley of the River Churnet. The park has a Visitor Centre, which provides displays and exhibitions on the varied and dramatic past of the valley and its present natural history interests. There is a small shop area together with toilet facilities and access for the disabled. Around the Centre are feeding stations where Great-spotted Woodpecker together with Marsh and Willow Tit can be observed.

The area is very well wooded but our walk through the mixed deciduous woodland revealed very little bird life. Some of the party caught glimpses of Lesser-spotted Woodpecker (all three species are reported to be present) and Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were seen fleetingly. The raucous call of Pheasants was frequently heard but many of the other birds were nest building and not calling.
The day remained dry and sunny so we were able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in all their splendour.
21 Members.
32 species seen