Trip Reports

• Saturday 30 November – Eastville Park/Stoke Park Leader: Richard Scantlebury Saturday November 30th, 2024

  A dozen members had a nice walk around the Park, all benefiting from our leader’s extensive knowledge of the site. The walk down to the river yielded several Goldcrests, Wrens, Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits as well as two Song Thrushes and a Jay. Three Redwings flew over us. On the river path, we immediately stopped to enjoy a Kingfisher perched a few yards away. On the playing fields opposite there was the bizarre site of a Buzzard standing on the grass apparently holding court to a group of Crows. A Grey Wagtail was heard as we walked towards the weir. We went up the hill towards Stapleton Church where there were a good number of Goldcrests and, best of all, two Firecrests. Although they were highly mobile and partially hidden by the ivy surrounding the trees, we saw enough of the field marks to confirm the identification. A greenish-looking Chiffchaff and a couple of Coal Tits were also flitting through the trees on the hill. On the return route, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was found high in a tree near some Goldfinches. We walked back to the lake where the female Tawny Owl was obligingly sitting in its box, allowing good views for all. The usual wildfowl were on the lake, including roosting Cormorants; two Herons were also spotted. A lovely walk rewarded with some of the Park’s star birds, mostly seen at close range. 36 species. Thanks to Rich for leading. Peter Bryant

Bristol Ornithological Club

The Bristol Ornithological Club (BOC) was founded, in 1966, to promote, encourage and co-ordinate the scientific study of ornithology in all its branches in the Bristol area.

The Aims of the Club

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• To publish a monthly bulletin, entitled Bird News, and a journal Bristol Ornithology. *
• Encourage beginners in ornithology, by assistance in the field and through special indoor meetings.
• Support and assist conservation projects by active co-operation with local organisations.
• Promote the special study areas at Chew Valley Lake .
• Promote field research by co-operative and individual studies.
• Hold regular indoor and field meetings throughout the year.

* Bristol Ornithology will take the form of papers and short notes by members, and a review of that year’s events and activities. Members also receive the Avon Bird Report (published jointly with the Avon Ornithological Group) which is a systematic list report of the birds of the area).

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