Sunday 6th February 2005

This afternoon I went out for a walk from North Nibley, up onto the hill and around the woodland. This morning's cloud had lifted and broken up to give some lovely spring-like sunshine. I kept a watch out for wildlife. On the shaded side of the hill all seemed rather quiet, apart from one wheezy grey squirrel and a flock of woodpigeons. Round the other side, however was much more lively. I had several sightings of great tits and blue tits, plus a coal tit and several chaffinches. Then I spotted a buzzard near at hand, and a song thrush was in song. The impression of spring on the way was enhanced further with a great spotted woodpecker rapping out its territorial beat down near the bottom of the wood.
Approaching the end of my circuit I arrived a the Tyndale monument, and finding it unlocked was kindly permitted to climb up to the top (the key holders were just about to lock it up), something which I have not done before. It was worth the climb for the experience, but would been even better if the day was less misty....something to remember for a summer weekend.
Then I returned to my car and went home for a cuppa and some toasted potato cakes. Nice!