​29.05.2021 - Field Trip - A Walk in the Tiffey Valley

Leader: Chris Stone
Reporter: Sue Gale

Nine members gathered at 8.30 in the car park near Wymondham Abbey in bright
sunshine and blue skies. What an improvement on last month! There was a Buzzard overhead and Liz found a Grey Wagtail by the river before we even set out. Chris led us across the road towards the cemetery first. This is a well-known birding spot and we were hoping to see Spotted Flycatchers. On the way a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling, and then seen in a nearby tree. A Sparrowhawk flew over as we passed through a small housing estate. Inside the large cemetery Chris explained that two pairs of Spotted Flycatchers had been seen this year, and it wasn’t long before he pointed one out to us, perched on a gravestone. Over the next 15 minutes we watched at least two of them flying about us and catching flies. They are perky and characterful little birds, and it seems that gravestones make ideal perches. We also spotted a Goldcrest and a Treecreeper here.

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