Trip report: Sand Point (31st March 2012)

Eight members met in the car park and were immediately listening to Chiffchaffs seemingly singing from every direction. As we walked up on to the Point a Blackcap sang from a hidden perch close to the path, its sweet song filling the air. Overhead passage was quiet with only a few Meadow Pipits moving. At the end of the Point a female Merlin was disturbed from the rocks and flew wide around Sand Bay carrying some small prey, presumably looking for somewhere to sit and feed on it. A dull male Wheatear was located sitting on the rocks allowing scope views, which was nice. As we walked along Middle Hope, overhead passage was enlivened by the odd Redpoll and Siskin. Skylarks were singing, reminding us that it was Spring despite the cold. At St Thomas’s Head we could see Redshank, Shelducks and a Little Egret on the River Banwell and along Woodspring Bay. Three Swallows whizzed past so quickly that not everyone saw them. Only a Kestrel and a pair of Buzzards were spotted on the walk back to the car park. It was a lovely morning.

Paul Gregory