A group of twelve assembled in Millyford Bridge car park, where one of us made an early sighting of a firecrest flitting in an alder tree. Sunny weather with little breeze made our saunter through the conifer woodlands a very pleasant one. Much birdsong was heard echoing through the forest glades, including chiffchaff, song thrush, wren and robin. At the reptile centre we took a break to view the reptile tanks and spot house sparrows, blackcap and blue tits while enjoying a coffee in the sunshine.

Setting off again Derek spotted a redstart a little way from the path, moving around the branches of an oak tree. With a bit of maneuvering, we all managed to get on it and saw the red colouring as it flicked its tail.

Just before we came to the bridge, a great spotted woodpecker yipped and was then seen investigating the trunk of a holly tree. On our return we crossed the open expanse of Whitemoor and admired a soaring buzzard in close view. Crossing the stream, we were surprised by a small adder rearing up and then slowly moving away across the dry grass. A lovely, unexpected sight.

Moving back towards the carpark Ed spotted a male and female mandarin duck in rank, boggy woodland near the road. Were they looking for a suitable nesting tree, or just passing through on the way to Eyeworth?