Birding and golf

On a blustery Saturday morning I tackled Ash Valley Golf Course with other regulars from the Queens Head, Allens Green. My golf was poor but still managed to get some birding done. A lone female kestrel kept us company around the 7th and 8th holes, whilst skylarks sang above. A party of 4 were observed on the 12th. A yellowhammer was singing by the clubhouse and more were heard along the hedgerows of the 1st, 2nd, 13th and 14th. A green woodpecker flew over the 9th and another one called from the trees adjacent to the par 3 5th. A great spotted woodpecker drummed and called from the oak trees on the 11th and dunnocks were evident around the 18th. No sign of the female stonechat I observed last weekend but robins, great and blue tits flew over, as did a small party of goldfinches. The usual selection of jackdaws, rooks and carrion crows were frequently observed in the rough, which is where I appeared to spend most of my time!

There was a possibility that a lesser spotted woodpecker called from a distance. I heard it only once from the far side of the course, so a wander to Caley Wood for a thorough search of the canopy is in order. This is one of the best times to see these elusive birds as they are calling and drumming at the moment.