Tuesday 13 January – Between Chew Valley & Blagdon Lakes

Thirteen members set off from Herons Green for a walk along quiet lanes between the Lakes. We got off to a good start with a Kestrel hovering over nearby fields and water birds on Chew Lake including Canada Goose, Coot, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Goosander amongst others. The weather held for a while as we climbed with Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin and Dunnock flitting about the hedgerows. Excellent views were had of Great Spotted Woodpecker on a feeder along with Goldfinch. As the walk progressed spots of rain began to fall and then eased again as we had views of Jay, Redwing, Bullfinch, Song and Mistle Thrush, Blackcap and Wren. Just before the heavy rain started, which accompanied us nearly to the end, we saw Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail, our customary Buzzard and an obliging Nuthatch feeding on peanuts. We arrived damp at our cars after an excellent walk with a tally of 49 species. Sadly the Bittern at Heron’s Green did not show. Thanks to Nick Hawkridge who kept us on the right route and Sue and John Prince for planning the walk. It was good to see them at lunch and learn that Sue is recovering well from her operation. Mark Watson