Ten assembled in Aldershot Park on a fine morning that promised the start of a warm spell. Wrens and Blackcaps were in good voice around the car park while a pair of guttural Egyptian Geese was half concealed behind swings. Two Swifts were spotted high in the sky and very distant, their shape barely discernible. Close to the river the first of many Chiffchaffs was heard; later a couple gave good views. A Green Woodpecker yaffled loudly and was soon after seen crossing the path. By now Blackbirds and Robins were contributing to the morning chorus though Wrens and Blackcaps still predominated. Soon a Garden Warbler could be heard buried deep in the bushes and a couple of House Martins were glimpsed between trees. Closer to the pits two Whitethroats were singing while a Reed Warbler could could be just about discerned.

From the mound it was apparent that the water was very high with its main occupants many dozens of Coots interspersed with six Great Crested Grebes, a scattering of Moorhens and only four Tufted Ducks, the sole waterfowl present. Around the banks, notable were a Grey Heron and a Wheatear that irritatingly refused to stay in sight for proper viewing. Overhead was more interesting fare. Two Peregrines circled distantly, two Buzzards and three Red Kites were picked out above the hill and a Sparrowhawk obliged with a close flyover. Then three Swifts passed above and two Swallows briefly appeared. In front of the mound two Whitethroats provided entertainment by perching close by. Finally three Common Terns flew in and eventually perched on distant posts.

The return walk was notable for emerging butterflies with Brimstone, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell all seen. Another Garden Warbler made its presence felt but stubbornly failed to reveal itself. The feeding area provided some new sightings such as Dunnock, Long-tailed Tit and Collared Dove. The star of the final stretch was a concealed male Bullfinch that a few were fortunate to glimpse. The species list for the excellent walk totalled 49.