Autumn Bird Walk

November 2022

Saturday 19th November turned out to be a bright sunny day after all the rain. We felt very lucky as we gathered at the Oxlease Car Park. We were meeting NEC committee member David Thelwell, joining him on a wander along the Old Barge Canal Path and across Fishlake, stopping off at the viewing screens and then a short detour to Fishlake Stream.

The object of the walk was to look and listen for the birds using Fishlake as their habitat in late autumn and with David’s encyclopaedic knowledge learn more about their habits. Most of the summer migratory birds had already left and the winter ones are late due to the un-seasonally warm weather but we were privileged to see and hear a good variety of species, including Cetti’s warbler, long-tailed and blue tits along the path, a heron keeping very still in Ashley Meadow and the noisy squeal of water rails along the path to the screens. Sitting very still on a wet reedy tussock was a snipe and dancing overhead were three red kites.
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The path to the screens was ankle deep in water due to the recent rains and wellie boots were a must to avoid wet feet, but with warm sun and good company it was a very enjoyable wander.
Roz Fresson, November 2022