The RSPB were doing a free guided tour of their site at Sandwell Valley today. Sunshine, blue skies and temperatures of 20 degrees made it the perfect day to head over to join them. 
They are a friendly bunch over at the reserve and whilst we waited for the arrival of others we chatted with the guides. Clare and I wandered down the path to the railway bridge and watched a fox trotting down the line.
The walk got under way with about 20 of us in all (including guides) and took about two hours. The guides pointed out birds and told us which ones we could hear. Prior to the walk starting we saw about 5 Bullfinch but on the tour itself we didn't see any! We did, however, see 30 odd species including Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Lapwing, Teal, Goosander, Gadwall, Common Tern, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Little Ringed Plover. We also heard Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler. Butterflies were present with plenty of Orange Tip. We also saw Peacock, Comma, Holly Blue, a few Whites and what I think was a Red Admiral.
At the end of the walk tea and coffee was brought to us in the sunshine (and because the training session meant we were not allowed to use the hut).
We headed back to the train station and back into Birmingham. After a quick diversion to do a bit of clothes shopping we headed back over to Solihull. Today was the day of the Grand National and although I had had a bet my only success came in the 2.35 at Chepstow, Taste The Wine. Having collected my winnings and looked at books in The Works (bought Clare a wildlife book) we headed home via the supermarket.
