After a fairly hefty downpour the sun decided to make an appearance for us dead on 10am and stayed the rest of the day, making this a lovely walk. The 25 walkers crossed from the car park onto the newly created Yeo Valley walk and kicked off with first hearing and then spotting a beautiful Whitethroat. Continuing on this fine route it wasn’t long before Garden Warbler was heard whistling its melodious call, Swifts and Swallows also made an appearance swooping low over the fields. It was soon after this we noted Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Treecreeper and Mistle and Song Thrush. We came across a section of the footpath which was cordoned off stating “footpath closed”, but knowing us lot we decided to carry on regardless until, alas, half a mile further on – “workmen”! Anyway, a quiet word in the boss’s son’s ear and the threat to change our yoghurt supplier soon did the trick and we continued on our merry way. The coffee break offered many impressive views of both Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, accompanied
by bird song from Willow Warbler and Coal Tit. Further on we spotted a Mistle Thrush, Blackbird and Great Spotted Woodpecker on a small football pitch. On the return leg, with the car park in sight, the shout of Spotted Flycatcher was heard and behold, looking into the bushes, the call was correct; a first this year for many of us. Appreciation goes to Beth for discovering this picturesque walk. 29 species in total. Graham Blacker