Village Nature Walk 20.12.09

In superbly bright conditions 8 of us set off through the village and on to the Ridge footpath, heading for The Bull in Much Hadham. Birding was tricky due to the cold but a highlight was seeing a little owl, albeit at a distance, roosting in a barn. Later, on the return journey, we got better but brief views.

Also a common buzzard, kestrel, skylarks and thrushes were seen along with over 1000 wood pigeon. Herring gulls and a single black headed gull flew overhead in a southerly direction and both coal tit and goldcrest were heard in the conifers near Winding Hill. We returned along the Ash Valley without adding too much to the list. A super walk in great company.

Photos show Vine House in Much Hadham and a female garden chaffinch.