Druids heath a pleasant area of countryside where Sky Larks and Ravens nest
This is a surprisingly tranquil place not far from the conurbation,dotted with little woodlands and arable farmland, using a picturesque golf course along with a fantastic collection of breeding species from Raven and Buzzard into the diminutive Goldcrest.
Horse paddocks draw a couple of passing migrants, while areas of wheat play host to nesting Sky Larks.
WHERE TO WATCH
- By Walsall Wood Road follow Hobbs Hole Lane downhill —
The tune of Sky Lark, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Song Thrush and Whitethroat fill the atmosphere from spring through to summer.There’s the chance of a Cuckoo from late spring，although they’re now becoming scarcer from the area.Stock Dove，Linnet，Goldfinch and corvids are common. - Agoodsite forsinging course splits and spans the street –
There’s also a chance of Treecreeper，Nuthatch，Coal Tit，Long-tailed Tit，Bulfinch，Greenfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. - Folowtheroad down.checling
Two paddocks，and turn directly into a more receptive aspect which brings Buzzard，Kestrel and occasionally Hobby in late summer.Check pylonsfor nesting Raven，that have now been present for many decades now. Red Kites are being seen more regularly in south Staffordshire, so it seems probable the encompasses here will also favor these majestic birds. - ARetrace your measures and choose Tthe route at the border of Druids Heath golf course walking towards Aldridge. The horse paddocks play host to Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Jay and passage Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and Meadow Pipits and occasionally Redstart and Whinchat. Swallows hawk low, with Swift and House Martinsoverhead in summertime. Gulls feed on the short turf Winter brings Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and intermittent Woodcock with Redwing and Fieldfare in good supply
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
Listen for the ‘kronking’ call of Raven and check the pylons for Buzzard and Peregrine.
AUTUMN/WINTER
TARGET SPECIES
Peregrine
Lesser Redpoll
Siskin
Meadow Pipit
Fieldfare
Redwing
Common Gull
SPRING/SUMMER
Raven
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Goldcrest
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Willow Warbler
Sky Lark
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Kestrel
Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Pheasant
PRACTICAL INFO POSTCODE: WS9 0LL GRID REF: SK 068 009
MAPS OS Explorer 220, OS Landranger 139 PARKING: Park carefully in
neighbouring roads or use pay and display car parks in Aldridge centre and access the golf club path via Aldridge Cricket Club near the church TERRAIN: Gently sloping walking along tarmac. Unsurfaced path alongside the golf course
ACCESS:
The area is accessible at all times FACILITIES: Pubs and shops in nearby Aldridge