This week our pre-Christmas stroll attracted over 30 people – a superb turnout on a warm and pleasant morning. The aim was to showcase Brooklands as a brilliant location for urban birding. And with at least 26 species seen or heard, I think that we succeeded. 

What makes Brooklands special is that it’s so accessible: mainly good paths, not much mud; fresh water: a variety of habitats; and good facilities including a convivial cafe and safe car parking. A number of people also used public transport to get to the site, a real bonus if, like me, you didn’t want to drive. 

Our circuit started with a walk around the lake, followed by an amble beside the stream, and lastly a stroll around the more open area of parkland, including the copse that Bernie described as the ‘Island’. It’s this variety of habitats that results in a wide range of species being seen, and fortunately the parks department leave a number of areas untidy and with scrub – always a bonus from a birding perspective. 

We probably saw, or heard, what was expected in December, although the gull numbers were really quite low.  But overall the birds put on a good show, and it was terrific to see a number of new SDOS faces joining a walk for the first time.

After the walk, about half of us enjoyed the coffee and cakes on offer in the cafe and the almond croissant was particularly delicious!

Photos: Maria McGrath