On Saturday 1st May and Sunday 2nd May we held dawn chorus walks around the farm. They went very well and a lot of people joined in even though it was a very early start, (getting to the farm for 4.30am!). Between fifteen and twenty people turned up on each morning feeling slightly groggy, but excited about what they might be about to see and hear. At this time of year the birds are coming back to find a mate and make their nests, making them more vocal at this time as they state their territory.
On Saturday morning, although it was reasonably warm, it was very misty which meant the birds could be heard but not seen. Unfortunate as this was, it did not hinder the morning at all and everybody loved it, especially as it was that bit warmer the birds were more vocal which made for the most beautiful sounds! On Sunday it was a lot colder, but very clear and we were fortunate enough to see a beautiful sunrise. We saw a large array of birds, including black caps, rooks, blue tits, owl pellets, robins, sparrows and very excitingly a glimpse of a peregrine falcon.
On our return we were presented with a hot cup of tea, porridge and a locally produced full English breakfast, so delicious and kindly prepared by Charlotte and thankfully received by everyone that had got quite cold during the walk. This made the cold walk well worth it!
A huge thank you goes to Paul Rutter who led the walks, everybody learnt a great deal and had a great time.
Beth, Admin Assistant and wildlife enthusiast!
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2 comments:
Dear Charlotte
Just a quick note to thank you providing us with the morning's Dawn Chorus walk 'experience', and please pass on thanks to Paul for providing one novice and one very novice ornothologist with a fabulous insight into what
is going on in the world when we are normally in our slumbers - especially on a Saturday. And as for the breakfast... first rate again and very well cooked, and with excellent coffee, porridge et al.
All in all, an excellent way to start the bank holiday weekend and to spend some time with other Fordhall supporters.
We hope that Sunday's event was be just as successful for you and that the cows and their calves aren't quite so bewildered at having their space invaded at such an early hour. I am sure that we will be both be taking that
bit more interest now in the various birdsong around us... though maybe not quite so early in the day!
With our very best wishes for the continuing success of FCLI
Steve and Maggie
I too enjoyed the dawn chorus walk on Saturday and learnt so much. The way in which Paul could differentiate all the different birds singing was very impressive!
By the way, today (11th May) is Charlotte's birthday!! I hope she has a lovely day - she deserves it.
Oli
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