Rolling arable farmland with a chance of Corn Bunting
This is a pleasant walk set among arable farmland and pasture, together with horse paddocks and mixed woodland, while the nearby River Stour, canal and water treatment works add an extra dimension. There is a good mix of farmland species to be had with the advantage of higher ground bringing passage migrants through in spring and autumn. Turtle Dove is now a very rare bird, locally, but Corn Buntings still have a toe-hold.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Follow the public footpath towards Iverley. There are reasonable numbers of Sky Lark, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Pheasant and Stock Dove and remember to listen for any singing Corn Buntings. Grey Partridge are still present in the area, despite their widespread decline. Check fence lines for passage Whinchat and the occasional Stonechat in more overgrown areas. Yellow Wagtails pass through together with the occasional White Wagtail and Wheatear on newly ploughed fields.
2 Scan the area on higher land for Red Kite, Raven and Peregrine, while Ospreys have been seen, particularly on spring migration. Buzzards are plentiful along with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. There is a chance of Merlin and Short-eared Owl in winter.
3 The water treatment works is good for breeding warblers, while in autumn and winter, it has produced Yellow-browed Warbler, Firecrest and Siberian Chiffchaff alongside the overwintering Chiffchaff. Grey and Pied Wagtails, Grey Heron and Kingfisher should also be easily seen in the general area.
4 The area around Sugar Loaf Lane holds breeding warblers, while the horse paddocks are good for passage Wheatear, Redstart, Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipits, with Spotted Flycatchers present in autumn and the chance of Little Owl. It is probably best to drive along the lane and park near the paddocks and farm buildings.