Hes East evening walk 31st Aug

On a lovely sunny evening, a new club record of 26 of us joined John at Heslington Church car park to set off on a walk round Heslington East. Views from this end of the lake yielded a couple of Common Sandpipers, Grey Heron and various geese. Generally is was very quiet on the bird fron though four Little Grebes, one of them with three smallish chicks, were well watched. A snipe was flushed and seen by a few and a Sparrowhawk went through. A few Sand Martins were still about too.

At the far end of the lake (towards the Sports Centre) there were 26 Tufted Duck, no sign of any Pochard thought. The Black Swan was with the Mute Swan family – the cygnet being the sole survivor from 12 eggs laid this year. John gave us loads of interesting information about the development of the site and showed the best places to see birds from and what generally turns up where.

An enjoyable evening if rather light on birds we walked back along the bus road counting geese, including the whole Snow Goose free-flying flock as he sun set. In the car park Natterers and Pipistrelle Bats then put on a show! And there was a Tawny Owl hooting.

Jane Chapman