It kept fine and sunny for the whole day. The
birds were very quiet, and some had to be looked for
— especially warblers. A note was kept of insects
seen, recognisable fungi and flowering plants were
recorded as well.
During the morning many linnets and yellow
hammers were seen and heard. Members were able to
see both these birds on the numerous gorse bushes,
and small silver birch trees. A bird that is always
likely to be seen near the silver birches is the red-
poll, and a number were seen and heard. One particular
bird was seen at close range perched on a dead tree
near the church.
Warblers seen were willow warbler and blackcaps
— but no others. A watch was kept for Whitethroats
but none were seen.
In the afternoon long-tailed tits, blue tits and
great tits were recorded. A single goldcrest and
spotted flycatcher were seen in the churchyard.
Ian Sims kept a record of butterflies seen and
he recorded the following: large, small and green-
veined whites; gatekeeper; meadow brown; small tort-
oiseshell and a single comma,
A number of fungi were also collected and ident-
ified: Amanita rubescens; A. fulva; Boletus calopus;
Lactarius sp.; Russula cyanoxantha; R. ochroleuca;
Lycoperdon hiemale. Scleroderma aurantium; Pipto-
porus betulinus and Laccaria laccata.
Amongst the flowering plants seen were: heath
bedstraw; tufted vetch; harebells; Cinquefoil and
some fine specimens of Ranunculus flammula growing
in a damp area.
At the end of the meeting 28 different species
of birds had been seen. This was a good total for
the 19 members who attended.
Mike Parker
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