A bird survey was carried out on the reserve by our recent guest speaker, David Cramp from Gloucestershire RSPB Group. The survey took place on the 30th November in unusually calm sunny conditions. David confirmed that the reserve habitat should support a good variety of garden birds throughout the seasons although there were not a huge number of different species noting during our visit. This is understandable in view of the time of year when many of the summer visitors have sought sunnier, warmer climes. 

The list of species noted were as follows:-

• Lesser Black-backed Gull
• Woodpigeon
• Collared Dove
• Blackbird
• Sparrowhawk
• Redwing
• Mistle Thrush
• Robin
• Blue Tit
• Dunnock
• Blackcap
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jackdaw
• Chaffinch
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Wren
• Fieldfare

Apart from the species spotted on the day the reserve should also support the Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Song Thrush, all of which should be there in the winter months.

Since there are a number of Waxwings in the Cheltenham area it may well be worth checking out any rowan trees that still have berries because they are a key attraction for the Waxwings.

Because of the vicinity of the gardens David felt that there could also be House Sparrows and Starlings on the reserve but the area may be one of those where these two species have gone missing.