On Sunday 7th November I will making my third attempt to lead the Yeoman Hey walk I hoped to do on the 26th September and 3rd October. On both the previous days the weather was so bad that it would have been impossible to see anything or even carry out the briefest conversation about the area or its wildlife! Although we will getting towards the back end of Autumn by the 7th, there should be lots to see as the winter visitor numbers increase by the week. The most likely birds at Dove Stone will be Redwing and Fieldfare from Scandinavia, together with increasing numbers of goldcrest, goldfinch and mistle thrush as Northern European visitors join the residents to swell their numbers. There may also be siskins and redpoll to be seen and who knows, the crossbills might be around in the woods near Bin Green. (Don't hold your breath!). There are always good numbers of long tailed, coal and blue tits in the connifer plantation above Yeoman Hey. A cormorant and great crested greebe have been regular visitors to Yeoman Hey Reservoir recently
The walk is a fairly gentle stroll of about four miles, with only a little climbing but parts are now very wet and boggy, especially on the return leg to the east side or Yeoman Hey, so boots are a must. We will probably take about two and a half to three hours to do the route, with numerous stops for information and observation.
I look forward to seeing you on the 7th.
John Parker.
Sounds good, John. Fingers crossed for the weather !