Reports, with Bird Lists, of our Meetings, Walks and Outings

In Brian's absence, Gerry Studd was leader for the walk. 

The usual ducks were viewed from the Visitor Centre viewpoint, along with distant Red-crested Pochard and a Peregrine Falcon.  The lake was partially frozen, with Mallards and Black-headed Gulls on the ice.

After some discussion, we set off anti-clockwise. Three Bullfinch were found in the bushes on the south-west side.

From the western corner we saw a Crow trying to steal food from the Peregrine.  After several provocations, the Peregrine chased the Crow around the lake for a few laps, then let it escape.  The Peregrine returned to finish its meal in peace.

The eastern field was searched for Yellowhammer but none were sighted.

Then back to the Visitor Centre for coffee and cake.

Quite nice weather really - fairly hot when the sun was out but it did turn a bit chilly towards the end!

Click Here to see our photos from the visit

Meet at 9.30 am in College Lake car park, off the B488, HP23 5QG.  OS SP935138   Lat/Long: 51.8158, -0.6446
The car park opens a few minutes before 9.30 am, so don't arrive too early.
Click here for a map of the car park location

Once a chalk quarry, now one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserves for birds, insects and plants. Circular two mile wildlife walk, gentle slopes, can be muddy.

Habitats include marshland, chalk grassland, woodland, scrub and hedgerows.

Birdwatchers look for red-crested pochard, sparrowhawk, mistle thrush, gulls, common ducks, kingfisher, pintail, snipe, linnet, hobby, goldfinch, redwing, fieldfare, long-tailed tit, bullfinch, even peregrine.

Facilities

• Car Park. Free but a £3 donation is requested.
• Café - cakes, sandwiches, snacks and hot/cold drinks.
• Gift shop
• Visitor centre
• Picnic facilities
• Toilets
• Disabled toilet
• Eleven hides, bird feeders in three areas

Click here for more information about the reserve