For those who have not been in the wooded area to the south of the Cross Inn/ Bethania road for a few years, it is worth pointing out that that track was extended about 2 years ago, doubling its length and making it a pleasant there and back walk. Indeed, following it to the end, you reach an area of felled plantation which we often use as further extension to our walk. There is a variety of habitat and it is popular with warblers. In previous years I have also seen Green Hairstreak butterflies. ( Speaking of which I saw my first butterfly of the year yesterday in the woods, a Small Tortoiseshell tempted out by this wonderful weather)
This morning there were two singing Chiffchaffs. This was minutes after I had said to Christine, " In a few weeks, all we will hear is chiff chaff, chiff chaff, chiff chaff."
There were also 3 Bullfinches ( they seem to love it down here). In the clearing we put up 3 snipe and 1 woodcock.