Tuesday 18 June – Lower Failand Leader: Alan Craddock

22 of us met outside St Bartholomew’s church at Lower Failand. House Martins were flying around the church as we set off down the lane on a bright sunny morning. A Great Spotted Woodpecker provided our first sighting, along with a distant Greenfinch. Chiffchaff, Wren and Blackcaps were pretty much constant song companions throughout the walk. One of our group had a BTO square which edged the walk and showed us a recently occupied Marsh Tit’s nest in a moss-covered wall we passed, but the birds had flown. Coffee stop gave us some Swifts, Buzzards and Ravens and an amazing view out over the Severn and the “loveliness” of Avonmouth. Moving on, a Whitethroat was singing as we headed downhill past Failand Farm where Goldfinches and Long – tailed Tits were moving through the bushes. An elusive Goldcrest caused a mild upset by distracting the leader. Safely back on track, a Green Woodpecker flew ahead of us. Passing Failand Lodge Farm, two Linnets posed on a wire whilst Skylarks serenaded and a Mistle Thrush flew by. 34 species in total. Thanks to Nick for the bird list (and thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Craddock