Yarner Woods, 21st May 2026

With the sun breaking through to give us a warm morning, our leader Mark Barron first took us onto the nearby heathland adjacent to the wood where we had good views of Linnet, Stonechat and also a Tree Pipit. As we were about to enter the wood itself, we first saw a Roe Deer in the fields in the distance and then we were treated to the sight of a Buzzard being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk. Possibly the Buzzard was encroaching too closely on the Sparrowhawk’s nest. There was some excitement for a while that we had seen a Goshawk rather than a Sparrowhawk, which would have been a first for a number of us, but the consensus was that, as it was somewhat smaller than the Buzzard, it was a Sparrowhawk.

Into the woods and we were able to see a number of Pied Flycatchers using the many nest boxes available to them and then down at the stream by the centre there were a couple of Grey Wagtails and a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the trees above the centre.

Further on in the wood, we were fortunate to be able to catch glimpses of a Redstart. Unfortunately, we did not manage to see the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Mark, who helps at Yarner Wood, told us that it had been recently disturbed at its nest site and had moved elsewhere in the wood.

All in all, once again it was an enjoyable walk and our thanks go to Mark for leading us so expertly. 

Steve Manktelow

25 species identified (H – heard only)

Moorhen, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Woodpigeon, House Martin, Swift, Chiffchaff (H), Willow Warbler, Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Linnet, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Redpoll (H), Siskin, Robin, Bullfinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cuckoo (H), Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher.  

Also saw: Roe Deer and Brimstone butterfly.