I saw a tweet (from Rojobus) about dippers (or the lack of them) in Siston Brook, Willsbridge and realised that the brook led to St. Anne’s Church (now famous for hawfinches and ring-necked parakeets) and thought I would have another go at seeing hawfinches. We had no luck but really enjoyed the stroll up from Willsbridge Mill (with its pleasant café) to St Anne’s Church.

We were treated to snowdrops, crocuses, catkins, a fleeting glimpse of a dipper and several views of a kingfisher. There were reports of ring-necked parakeets but none of hawfinches.

The ring-necked parakeet which I had seen at St Anne’s Church on the 29th January.

The trees are beginning to show signs of life

Catkins

The beautiful willow below St Anne’s Church

Crocuses and snowdrops

St Anne’s Church is a real delight (with its Commonwealth War Memorial graves) and beautiful yew trees.

The walk back was brightened by a cheery robin singing its heart out.

A cheery robin singing near to Siston Brook

Click below for gallery of photos from this morning: