Tuesday 18 October – Saltford

On a sunny but cool morning 27 members met by the canal at Saltford. As we started, Common, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls were seen along with a Mistle Thrush and several noisy Robins. Goldfinch, Blue and Great Tits flitted in the hedges and a Goldcrest was heard. Later in the walk half a dozen Long-tailed Tits were added to the list. Numerous Blackbirds were around and a few Dunnock in the hedge bottoms. A Green Woodpecker was heard but not seen and likewise a Chiffchaff. A Buzzard appeared briefly. As we continued on our way a solitary Redwing was seen and as we paused at Swineford Lock, a Kingfisher flashed past which some were lucky enough to see. A Grey Heron sat in rushes at the edge of the water, a Mute Swan appeared and a Moorhen was spotted. As we returned to the cars, a Kestrel was seen by some of the group, a flock of 16 Linnet, and a single Herring Gull, and lastly a male Bullfinch, first heard then seen. Thanks to Robert Hargreaves for leading a good walk with a total of 36 species.