The Trees - but no Rush

A terrible link I know, but I had a lovely autumnal weekend looking for birds (not many) and trees (blummin' loads).

 

First stop was a Saturday meeting with the RSPB group at Nosterfield, which was very empty, both of water and birds. But a nice time with chums and a sunny walk round the lakes. In the end I did see two new spots for 2025 - Golden Plover and Widgeon. Only one more to hit 100!

I was booked in for 2 nights at a stopover at the Castle Arms in a village called Snape - which I'd never heard of but was a revelation! A pretty village, with castle ruins, an interesting chapel and links to Katherine Parr. I had tea in the van, and the next day wandered round the village before a huge Sunday lunch at the pub and then some lolling around doing nothing listening to the rain.

On the Monday it was bright blue skies again, so perfect for Thorp Perrow arboretum and wildlife centre (mainly raptors and meercats). I'd stupidly decided to visit at half-term, during their Halloween trail. But thanks to some advice from the lady at the entrance it was easy enough to avoid the little horrors darlings and do some peaceful wandering. 

The bird centre was slightly depressing, seeing massive birds from hot countries in chilly cages looking glum. I could have cheated and added vultures, kookaburras, eagle owls and more to my bird tally for 2025, but not even I would cheat that badly.