Field trip reports

Our arrival at the attractive church of St Quiricus and St Julietta coincided with a school harvest festival, thechildren’s yellow tabards echoing this year’s ubiquitous Clouded Yellow butterflies. 13 walkers set off up the hill to Cadbury Camp, with views of Kestrel and Buzzard, and a Pied Wagtail on a roof. In the woodland were Wren, Blue and Great Tits, and the sharp-eared picked up a Goldcrest. The sun came out at the top and the misty views were spectacular. Two Swallows flew over, and six Meadow Pipits emerged from the fields of the iron age fort. A Mistle Thrush perched obligingly in the sun giving excellent, if rather distant, views. Corvids were well represented on our route, with 32 Jackdaws, nine Carrion Crows, four Magpies, a Raven and a Jay. On our descent one of the day’s three Green Woodpeckers investigated a field, and Migrant Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies gave close views. Crossing the moot on the return leg the rhynes were quiet, but there were distant views of two Grey Herons and a Little Egret. Many thanks to Robin for leading this very pleasant walk, and for the bird list (26 species), and to all for the excellent company. Gareth Roberts

We met at Pensford village hall and 15 of us set out under very overcast skies. After leaving the village, the walk is quite arduous with much clambering up and down slopes. The terrain was mostly arable farmland with a woodland which we passed through. Robin song and alarm calls accompanied us everywhere and it was noticeable that several other birds were singing or calling too. The sky soon cleared and the sun broke through and warmed us up. As we crossed one field a flock of about 30 Canada Geese flew low overhead in a beautiful V-formation – an impressive sight! Further on, a very obliging ash tree provided us with views of both a Nuthatch and a Treecreeper. Later the mewing of a Buzzard overhead attracted our attention and while we were watching it, higher above, we saw a Sparrowhawk which I doubt we’d have spotted without the Buzzard. Towards the end of the walk we heard the throaty call of a Raven which then flew into view. Lastly, a Green Woodpecker flew past us and then helpfully perched on a telegraph post giving us a good clear view of it through binoculars. All in all, a very enjoyable outing with a total of 32 recorded species. Thanks to Graham for keeping the bird count and for stepping in at the last minute to lead the walk for us. Luckily, he seems to know all the routes! Graham Bennett

Having woken to a dreary rainy day, by the time 20 of us arrived at the car park, the sun was shining. It was high tide so we took a gentle stroll along the cycle path to the sluice. The high tide resulted in large groups of Herring Gulls (225), Redshanks (200) and Black Headed Gulls (100) as well as some Black-tailed Godwits, Lesser Black-backed Gull a Great Black- Gull, Little Egret, Teal and Mallard. A total of 36 species were recorded and included Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit, Raven, Cetti’s Warbler, Snipe and Kingfisher. During the morning, we had a constant flow of Swallows passing over but eagled-eyed spotters also saw Sand Martin and House Martin. Thank you to Jane for leading an enjoyable morning walk. Beth Yates

To make the most of the early high tide, we opted to do a shorter circuit of RSPB Newport Wetlands. Sixteenmembers (including one Young Person) enjoyed viewing the Usk Estuary from the path towards the Lighthouse. As well as Mallard and Shelduck, the shoreline offered a useful size comparison between Great and Little Egrets standing next to each other (as well as a Grey Heron). Two waders that flew into the bay briefly were identified as Curlew and Whimbrel; there were a small flock of Dunlin seen in flight. The reserve also produced a Blackcap, several Cetti’s Warblers (heard), a Little Grebe, Reed Buntings and a heard Water Rail. Relocating to Goldcliff Lagoons, the party headed for the seawall. We paused to observe several small birds flitting around in shrubbery, including Long-tailed Tits, at least three Chiffchaffs, a Stonechat and, best of all, a Whinchat. Initial viewing from the seawall was underwhelming with just a few Curlews and Oystercatchers although 35 Black tailed Godwits flew over our heads as we approached. However, two Bar-tailed Godwits were picked out on the mudflat. A medium-sized raptor flying from a post beneath the Marsh Viewpoint was identified, after some debate, as a juvenile Sparrowhawk. Views from the new, ‘Phoenix hide’ (replacing the one that burned down last year) and Marsh Viewpoint added two Snipe, three Lapwings, a single Wigeon and more Little Egrets and herons to the list. A healthy 53 species overall (thanks to Peter for leading). Peter Bryant

On a very wet morning 13 club members met at Bitton Station, having to don their wet weather gear after many months of heat and drought. We followed the footpath beside the heritage railway line for a short distance before turning off past St Anne’s Church and then down a delightful walled lane to a path by Siston Brook. The brook runs through a deep wooded valley to Willsbridge Mill. Sightings of birds were scarce but we managed to add Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Song Thrush and Blackbird to the list. We had a short break at Willsbridge Mill where we could admire the community gardens. Fortunately, the rain had finally eased off. By the Mill was a large pen confining some very exotic looking Golden Pheasants. Views on caged birds may vary. Our route then took us back along the brook to return to Bitton Station. In the interval between leaving and returning a tree had fallen across the path and railway line and so we were obliged to scramble over the trunk while being watched by concerned and/or amused railway officials. Back at the car park some of the group left while others went on to a small lake where they added Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch and Green Sandpiper to the list. Many thanks to Celia for leading the walk and to Alastair for keeping the bird list. Di Bunniss

The pleasant weather brought out 26 walkers including two new members for the first walk of the meteorological autumn. Setting off, we picked a route that would hopefully not disturb the Little Owl we hoped to see in a nearby barn, Swallows flew overhead. A Whitethroat was seen, a family of four Stonechats were spotted on fenceposts and we saw the first of today’s four Wheatears perched in the distance. Walking between fields we enjoyed watching a lively flock of 80 or more Linnets, Skylarks, numerous corvids and a flock of 23 Herring Gulls. Birds of prey were also out hunting, including Kestrels, Buzzards and Red Kites; we were also treated to a lovely sighting of a Hobby and a brief sight of a Sparrowhawk. Stopping for coffee a Whinchat was spotted in the hazy distance. Moving closer for a better look, we enjoyed a splendid view of it showing well at the top of a bramble bush. 17 Corn Buntings were identified sitting on a telegraph wire and five well-camouflaged Red-legged Partridges were seen running in the field to our left. As we headed back three Pied Wagtails were foraging amongst some horses, two Yellowhammers appeared in the hedgerows and a noisy group of seven Ravens displayed overhead. We ended our walk by passing the barn again: no luck today spotting the Little Owl, but we did see 31 species including some real treats. Thanks to Chris for leading and Alastair for the bird list. Sarah Neale

Today’s walk was postponed from yesterday due to the wet weather. Seventeen of us met with cautious optimism of seeing target species of Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Redstart and Yellow Wagtail, following a number of reported sightings during the week (and earlier in the morning!). As we set off towards the Common, we saw a Sparrowhawk as well as a few Swallows and House Martins. We went past the Golf Club and took a circular walk around the Common. Eventually we were rewarded with sightings of Whinchat, a Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and a Stock Dove, amongst others. The weather was breezy but remained dry; even so, all the birds kept their distance today, which was a little frustrating. We were grateful to those who brought scopes with them! On the more open part of the Common we spotted a number of Skylarks and had a good view of a Wheatear. Less expected overhead were two Cormorants and a Mute Swan, which added to the number of species seen – eventually totalling a very acceptable 34. Thank you to Mike for leading. Denise Rudeford

Even though the Kings Wood car park was packed with dog walkers we still managed to find room here and in various lay-bys for the 14 walkers that turned up for this walk. As we left the car park we went in the glorious summer woodland and first saw Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. We soon entered Wavering Down after a bit of a climb and birdsong filled our ears. Stopping to gaze into the trees we saw a few Stonechats along with Spotted Flycatcher, whilst many Swallows mixed with House Martins flew overhead. Moving along we could clearly see Crook Peak and far beyond into South Wales, also some lovely views across the Somerset Levels and Cheddar reservoir. After a short coffee break, through the fields we saw Pheasant, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, a couple of low flying Green Woodpecker, Robin, Bullfinch and Blackbird. Back into the woodland we paused as a beautifully marked Buzzard soared immediately overhead. To end a most enjoyable morning we also noted Wood Pigeon, Herring Gull, Magpie and Crow. The total species recorded was 21 and thanks go to Clive for such a lovely well led walk. Graham Blacker

Our group birded from the Lodge to Top End hide and back from late morning to mid-afternoon. The passerines were certainly keeping their heads down, and there were very few birds on the water, although significant numbers of Mallards with some Gadwalls were loafing along the North Shore as they do during their moult. I kept a list of the sightings we made, the most surprising of which was 16 Egyptian Geese. There were very few waterfowl at Top End, but five or more Greenshanks were spotted feeding at various points along the shoreline, but the problem was it was very difficult to scope them due to the heat haze. Raptors included Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, and Buzzard. I made it 41 bird species in total, without even recording e.g. Song Thrush or Wren, so we didn’t do too badly. We counted Clouded Yellow butterflies for a while, I got up to 14 before giving up, as they seemed to be on nearly all the meadows and patches of Water Mint. However, of particular interest was a Clouded Yellow f. helice at Bell’s Bush, only the second I’ve seen at the lake – the first being on 6th August 2006. We recorded eight species of butterflies and three dragonfly species, and we looked at several plant galls along the way as well. Thanks to the participants, it was an enjoyable walk in good company. (Thanks to Nigel for leading) Nige Milbourne

Not too hot, no rain, a slight breeze, perfect day for a walk, shame that only five people seemed to think so! It started very well with a Red Kite immediately above and flying so low we could see its perfect markings; a little further on and the cry of a Chaffinch, many Crows, Magpie and Pied Wagtail. Proceeding on through Velvet Bottom we detected many birds in yonder trees, which we decided were Chiffchaffs plus a couple of Goldfinches. At this point we first heard then spotted our first of today’s two Ravens, a beautiful Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, with a few Linnets passing by along with Stonechat. Also, what was thought to be a young fledgling Buzzard flying overhead having probably just achieved its independence. Carrying on further toward the Bottom we stopped for our coffee break, hearing Wren and Robin whilst we paused. As we continued we discovered that Long Wood was still closed to walkers due to Ash Dieback; nevertheless we traipsed on uphill where a Bullfinch was heard. Crossing a field towards the long road which would eventually take us back to the car park, we spied House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, plus a solitary House Martin, and many Swallows were also seen throughout the walk. Just as we returned we had a lovely view of our first Great Spotted Woodpecker of the day. (Thanks to Graham for leading.) Graham Blacker