Allerthorpe Common walk 6th July

The club walk at Allerthorpe Common this morning started at 8am, just as the clouds were beginning to thicken up. From the gate by the car park, we walked the southern perimeter within the woodland, noting several species calling and some still singing: Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Coal Tits among them. A family party of Garden Warblers was seen by many, with Swifts passing overhead. On the adjacent farmland to our huge surprise we heard Quail, certainly one, possibly two birds were calling but there was no chance of a sighting. The YWT reserve held Yellowhammer, Goldfinches and, notably, a singing Tree Pipit, which gave good views through scopes. The intention was to walk out of the end of the woodland towards Allerthorpe village and back through farmland, giving a decent six mile walk. However, the heavy rain caught up with us and the unanimous view was to return to the cars. Fortunately, there was a let up in the rain and we walked south on a footpath to explore some of the fields. Here we added Kestrel, Whitethroat, Corn Bunting and a Hobby, while a family of Yellow Wagtails used the fallow fields and hirundines and Swifts fed overhead and another Quail was heard.

The list totalled 35 species of birds, while 15 people enjoyed the visit despite the rain showers so, all in all, a decent morning’s walk.

Rob & Jane Chapman