Sunday 22nd April 2012 - Arley to Highly

Today Bev and I decided to undertake a walk along the River Severn from Arley (in Worcestershire) to Highley (in Shropshire).  The idea was that we would walk to Highley and get the Severn Valley railway steam train back.  But as it happens we enjoyed the walk so much we decided to walk back along the other side of the river.

Near the footbridge at Arley we had cracking views of a 2 Goosander (1♂, 1♀).  A further 4 Goosander (2♂, 2♀) were further up river in Shropshire.  A Common Sandpiper and 3 Mandarin (2♂, 1♀) were also noted along the Shropshire stretch of the river. 

Mid way between Arley and Highley we sat and watched the Sand Martins zipping around over the water and occasionally visiting the nest holes in the sandy banks, this was a real highlight.  Two House Martins and 4 Swallows were also noted nearby.

The walk also produced good numbers of singing warblers including 15 singing Blackcaps, 12 singing Chiffchaffs and 4 Willow Warblers

Also of note during the walk was a singing ♂ Common Redstart.  At the footbridge near the Severn Valley Country Park (Highly) a pair of Marsh Tits was showing very well.

Due to the changeable weather there wasn't much to see in terms of butterflies, although 3♂ Orange Tip butterflies, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Speckled Wood were noted.

Orange Tip on Cuckoo Flower - 22nd April 2012




Click on image to enlarge

13 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good riverside walk, Jason. Rivers are not an IoW strongpoint - just streams here really.

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  2. Seems most of the spring visitors are over your side of the country Jase!

    Very poor here still, but then the shite weather has prevented some visits!

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  3. What a lovely walk that sounds Jason. The last time I visited Arley was on one of the 'Santa Specials' many moons ago now.lol!

    You saw some super bird and butterfly species, glad you enjoyed your Sunday walk!

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  4. Rob - The Severn Valley is a beautiful place and, if I'm honest, one I don't visit often enough considering it's on my doorstep

    Warren - To be honest mate the weather has been pretty crap here too. I guess I've been lucky that some stuff has been put down by the showers

    Pam - I once got asked about being one of the Santas on the SVR (must be the belly and the beard!)..I declined mind.

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  5. Glenn (g.h.2012 )26 April 2012 at 01:01

    Nice to see you caught up with a few species on your walk down the Severn Valley its a regular for me,may catch up with you there one day.

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  6. I'm still smiling at your mention about being asked to be a Santa. That wouldn't work, you'd be too busy peering from the windows at the wildlife ;-)

    What a lovely walk you and Bev had, it really sounded enjoyable, nothing better on a Sunday afternoon. You saw some great species too. That is a lovely photo!

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  7. Goodness! I just spotted your Twitter feed on the sidebar!! I hope you weren't injured?

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  8. Ha ha! That made me smile Jason.

    You would make a lovely Santa, you have a kind face and personality!

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  9. Niceto see the Orange Tip, I enjoyed looking through your patch butterfly gallery. Have recently started one myself, not much chance of many butterfly sightings at the moment though. Fingers crossed for better weather at the weekend!

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  10. Glen - Yep its a lovely area. I used to walk it regular in the late 90's. Not so regular now...even though I live closer these days.

    Jan - Thanks for your concern. I am absolutely fine. It was just frustrating and annoying as we had only had the car a few months. But the other party is a large company and they have agreed to pay for repair and respray outside of the insurance. The car is in for inspectiion at the bodyshop on Monday

    Pam - Ho ruddy ho! ;-)

    Kirsty - thanks. Fingers crossed indeed although, where I'm located it's looking like being wet, wet and more wet!

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