A quick look at the table set out below shows that this year provided our lowest total of birds seen since we started the Big Bird Bash in 2019.

However this is only part of the story. A total of 33 different people took part in the walks and Hazel Haylock made a mammoth effort and completed all five. Wow that took some doing! Our youngest bird spotter was 10 years old and we won’t go into who was the oldest other than to say they would have been a lot older than 10. One of our HBW targets is to attract local people to get out and enjoy nature so I think we achieved that.

Another objective of the Big Bird Bash is to raise money for a local worthy cause. This has also been achieved as we  have raised a good amount for The Haven so thanks to everyone who sponsored the event. Your generosity will help The Haven continue its wonderful work in our community. There will be a presentation of a cheque at the end of July when the final amount is known.

Of the 61 bird species seen 23 were, like Hazel, seen on all 5 walks. Our summer migrant songsters Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroat were among those with Nightingale making an appearance on 3 which is superb after they have travelled so far up from Africa to be with us. The same can be said of the other long distance migrants who put on a show such as Cuckoo, Reed Warbler, Swallow, Swift and House Martin. Other notable birds were Red Kite, Lapwing, Barn Owl, Peregrine, Raven, Grey Wagtail, Bullfinch, Skylark and Yellowhammer. However we shouldn’t forget all the lovely more common birds that are such an indicator of the health of the environment.  How dull our gardens would be without Robin, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Wren, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and for some lucky people in Lower Station Road Reed Buntings. All these showed well on the Bird Bash. I would also like to praise two other sometimes less loved birds who made all 5 walks – Wood Pigeon & Herring Gull.

Nigel Colgate