Strensall Common Walk 14th August

Possibly a first for the Club, an evening where the number of species seen and heard only just beat the number of us on the walk! Another fantastic turnout with nineteen of us assembling at 6.30pm at Galtres Car Park on a mild evening. Peter Reed took us on a circuit out around the Common (away from the firing ranges – which we have done previously), so for many of us it was an introduction to parts of the Common we hadn’t been to before or only know hazily. Sadly, many of the goodies we were hoping to see did not materialise, nevertheless it was a very enjoyable walk – apart from being eyed up and stalked by the Bull and his harem of Cows as we took a detour to look at Kidney Pond (botanically a very special site, holding some rare species). The highlights were Green and Great-Spotted Woodpecker, a small party of 7 Tree Pipits actively flying between trees and perching up, a pair of active Stonechats and late on, a brief glimpse of a Barn Owl. The Rook roost held over 120 individuals and a few hirundines were also about.

The total list, a miserly 20, was: Woodpigeon, Tawny owl ( H briefly), Herring Gull, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, House Martin, Swallow, Rook, Blue Tit, Kestrel, Pied Wagtail (2), Linnet (6 ), Stonechat (pair), Tree Pipit (7), Robin ( H), Wren ( H), Goldcrest ( H), Treecreeper ( H), Barn Owl.

Many thanks to Peter for showing us a different part of the Common (and for pointing out where we might hope to see/find other specialties of the Common if we tip up on the right day in the right conditions!).

Jane Chapman