After recent turbulent weather and an overnight downpour a bright morning and surprisingly good underfoot conditions greeted the five members who gathered at Heather Farm. The first stop overlooking the pig farm produced a Grey Heron and six Egyptian Geese. On the fence were both a Grey and a Pied Wagtail while Carrion Crows, Magpies and Woodpigeons flew around the treetops. From there birds were initially few with just the calls of Robins, glimpses of Goldfinches, a nicely perched Wren and a flypast of several Canada Geese providing interest. Towards the bridge to the Island activity increased. Three Song Thrushes showed devotion to one bush as they devoured sloes. Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits were gleaning in the trees while a couple of Chaffinches muttered out of sight and a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched atop a tree. Just over the bridge was a big flock of Black-headed Gulls, perhaps 150, with a few Common Gulls among them. Twenty five Lapwings were also present. The next port of call was the western end of the heath but the visit yielded just a few calls from an invisible Dartford Warbler and a passing Green Woodpecker. McLarens meadow was more productive. There six Redwings and a single Skylark settled into the grass where they were soon joined by two Meadow Pipits. A Stock Dove also flew around. Then it was back to the heath where the main point of interest was a pair of Roe Deer. Near the members’ car park the absence of raptors was rectified by a gliding Common Buzzard and two dashing falcons, a Peregrine and a Kestrel. The woodlands delivered some final treats, the buzzing call of a Treecreeper, a bouncy Goldcrest and the repeated call of a nearby Tawny Owl. Back at Heather Farm the final additions to the morning’s tally were a Nuthatch, a Coot and Cormorant. An enjoyable walk in unexpectedly fine weather concluded with a sightings list of 43.