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

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