About 24 hardy birdwatchers arrived at Bedelands just before 6am to take part in the 'Dawn Chorus Bird Walk'.  Although rather dreary weather, the birds brightened up the morning with their joyful singing.  The first chiff chaffs of the year were heard and then seen as well as four great spotted woodpeckers drumming and calling.  Although generally numbers were down a total of 27 species were seen.  Missing were easy birds like starlings and black-headed gulls.  All the redwings seem to have returned to Scandinavia.  Afterwards a hearty breakfast was enjoyed by 16 members in an adjacent garden accompanied by a visiting great spotted woodpecker who displayed and drummed for us with a sparrowhawk soaring overhead.

Barbara Allen