EYMORE WOOD
A wildwood walk for forest and river birds
This birding walk through wooded and riparian habitats, including sections of the River Severn and Trimpley Reservoir. Dipper, Redstart, Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit are all present, but in ever- decreasing numbers, while there are good opportunities for observing soaring Honey Buzzard and Goshawk. Look out for the likes of Polecat, Roe and Fallow Deer in the woods and Otter along the river valley. Also, look for Adders during early morning when basking in sun traps, typically along south-facing railway embankments.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
Scan clearing in Eymore Wood near car park for resident species; typically thrushes, finches and tits including Mistle Thrush, Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Lesser Redpoll, Marsh, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, plus Siskin, Crossbill, Goldcrest and Firecrest in conifer plantations. Also present are Jay, Green, Great Spotted and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper and Nuthatch, and migrants such as singing Tree Pipit, Redstart, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler & Chiffchaff. Tawny Owl, Woodcock and possibly Nightjar can be active here at dawn/dusk.
2
Check river for Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail, plus Dipper which tend to feed among the boulder-strewn sections. Red Kite, Buzzard and Hobby often hunt along the floodplain, while woodland margins can attract Spotted Flycatcher and Cuckoo. Wooded slopes are good for Wood, Garden and Willow Warblers, plus Mandarins coming and going from nest holes. Pied Flycatcher and Willow Tit have both been lost as breeding birds, but search for them anyhow.
3
Trimpley Reservoir attracts a few gulls, dabbling and diving ducks along with a chance of Common Tern, Little Egret and Grey Heron, plus hirundines and Swift over the water. Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Grey and Pied Wagtails typically occur on passage around the shoreline, depending upon water levels. Climb hillside to a viewpoint to scan for raptors such as Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, plus the possibility of Red Kite, Goshawk and Raven.
4
Broadleaved parts of Seckley Wood support breeding residents including Hawfinch, Siskin, Marsh Tit and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, plus summer migrants such as Wood Warbler, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart. Conifer plantations harbour Crossbill, Siskin, Firecrest, Goldcrest and Coal Tit. The river bridge is another good spot for Dipper and Grey Wagtail.