Chill was in the air at the Park Avenue car park but at least the high winds of the previous night had moved on. As the four in our party gathered, a Sparrowhawk cruised overhead, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was high in a tree down the slope and a Dunnock sang lustily in the vicinity. Our leader pointed out a…
Author: BOC
Tuesday 22 December- Severn Beach and Pilning Wetlands Leader: Lois Pryce
Five members walked from Severn Beach to New Passage and Pilning Wetlands and back, taking in the inland Pill. We saw about 300 Wigeon along the shore; Canada Geese, Shelduck, Curlew, Little Egret, Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits on the salt marsh; Shovelers, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, 12 Dunlin, Redshank and Grey Heron on the pools,…
Saturday 19 December- Uphill Leader: Jane Cumming
I was assigned to the monthly WeBS count on the estuary at Uphill in mid-2016 so I’ve monitored birds there regularly for more than four years. The last thing I expected as we set out for this morning walk was to get not one but TWO “patch ticks” – species I’d never seen there before. The threatened rain fell before…
Tuesday 15 December – Gordano Valley Leader: Geoff Harris
Five members met on a bright and sunny morning eagerly anticipating a good morning’s birding. The local gamekeeper was distributing feed at a small pond which disturbed the birds for us. There was a large group of Mallard and another of Teal, the eventual count for both being 56 and 206 respectively for the morning. Leaving the cars/motorbike we ambled…
Tuesday 08 December – Stanton Drew Leader: Alastair Fraser
The weather was kind to us; a frost free start and a bright sunny day. The route starts at the Druids Arms following the Two Rivers Way to Pensford and then returning via Upper Stanton Drew. The farmland is predominantly pasture (sheep) with hedgerow (scalped) and copse. Leaving Stanton Drew, and the Green Woodpecker on the Church, we saw good…
Sunday 06 December – Clevedon Pill Leader: Jane Cumming
On a cold, fine day we met at the churchyard where grain on the path was attracting Chaffinches and a Collared Dove with a couple of Magpies in attendance. We walked along the woodland edge to the harbour where the tide was at its full height, and peered around the southern side of Wains Hill to find a tidal roost…
Tuesday 03 November – Eastville Park Leader: Rich Scantlebury
Assembling for a chilly start, six members met at Snuff Mills car park for a wander through Eastville Park and environs. Reaching the bridge over the Frome, we could see that the river was in spate and so there would be little chance of seeing a Kingfisher unless on the ponds or in flashpast. We carried on into the Park…
Tuesday 27 October – Sand Point/Middle Hope Leader: Nick Hawkridge
One upside of COVID-19 numbers restrictions – we all got to see the three Goldcrest that were frantically feeding in the hawthorn bush above the welcome sign in the car park. Those and a dozen Long-tailed Tit were about the only species we saw before we got to the top of the windswept steps. It was a bit of a…
Tuesday 20 October – Compton Dando Leader: Mike Landen
One member had to with withdraw from this walk, so five of us met at Compton Dando where visibility was quite poor but there was no significant rain and it was quite mild. We stopped at the bridge within the village but did not find either Dipper or Grey Wagtail on this occasion. On the next section we saw two…
Tuesday 13 October – Goblin Combe Leader: Alastair Fraser
A woodland walk, mainly deciduous with some conifers and areas of plantation. The woodland is largely closed canopy, creating an impoverished habitat at lower levels due to the lack of light. The ash trees are suffering from dieback that may, ironically, lead to more open clearings. The first section along the Combe was very quiet, a few Jackdaws and a…
Tuesday 06 October – Tickenham Leaders: Lois Pryce and Jan Pridie
Six people met for this walk through Tickenham’s moors, woods and ridge – and only got rained on once! House Martins hunted over the golf course with Pied Wagtails on the greens. Through the woods we saw and heard Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Jay, Nuthatch, Blackcap, Coal Tit and flocks of Long-tailed Tits, and Chaffinch and Bullfinch. Ravens and…
Sunday 27 September – Portland Bill Leader: Jane Cumming
The Portland trip was cancelled. The leader and the single booking member agreed to cancel owing to unfavourable wind conditions and the rain.
Sunday 20 September – Severn Beach and Pilning Wetlands Leader: Lois Pryce
Four members met at New Passage on a very high tide with strong winds, after passing a couple of Swallows, and a Turnstone below the esplanade on the way from Severn Beach. On a flooded area of salt marsh we tried to turn a juvenile/cryptic Teal into the juvenile Garganey that had been there – the Teal hiding its green…
Saturday 12 September – Chipping Sodbury Common Leader: Mike Jackson
Five members met at 0900 in Hatters Lane and joined one more at the entrance to the common. In fine weather, 15- 17°C with a light westerly breeze which strengthened toward midday, and dry underfoot, we proceeded up the incline on Trinity Lane past the golf club entrance onto the common. House Martin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Robin and House Sparrow…
Sunday 06 September – East Devon Leader: Jane Cumming
This was the Club’s first outing requiring COVID compliance, with the leader, three participants who committed in advance and two more who joined us knowing there was space on the trip. With the large airy hides at the two sites we visited, there was no reason to change anything about our usual mode of birding although the hide at Bowling…
Tuesday 17 March – Badminton Leader: Nick Hawkridge
After the grim news of a ban on all meetings, we were destined to be the last Tuesday walk for some time. However, eight of us gathered for a steady ramble round the patch. Our list started with Chaffinch and Greenfinch singing from broadcasting vantage points by the village green. There were plenty of House Sparrows chirruping away in the…
Saturday 14 March – Uphill Leader: Jane Cumming
With a good weather forecast eight members met in Links Road, Uphill. Unfortunately, the high tide made walking along the beach impossible so we headed back to the marina. Before doing so we had good numbers of Shelduck (27), Teal (44), Oystercatcher (34), Curlew (22), and Redshank (15) and also saw a number of other water birds. The highlight however…
Tuesday 10 March – Elm Farm Leader: Mark Watson
On a wet and windy morning 16 members met for a walk around Elm Farm. We immediately saw eight Yellowhammer in a tree near to the farmyard which was a good start. A Kestrel was perched in a hedgerow tree as we walked on and 32 Jackdaws appeared along with a couple of Song Thrushes. Moving down the farm across…
Tuesday 03 March 2020 – Clevedon to Dowlais Leader: Jane Cumming
A magnificent 42 people gathered at St Andrews Church, Clevedon on a beautiful if chilly morning. We headed out round the Pill and down to the sluice on the Blind Yeo, logging Stonechats and Rock Pipits on the saltmarsh. Telescope scanning of Blackstone Rocks produced 55 Wigeon scattered along its edge, as well as Shelducks, Oystercatchers and Curlews. The foreshore…
Tuesday 25 February – Greylake RSPB Reserve Leader: Mark Watson
On a bright but showery and blustery morning, twelve members gathered for a walk around the RSPB reserve. In the car park we saw Dunnock, Chaffinch, Blue Tit and Reed Bunting and a Kestrel overhead followed by a Great White Egret. We set off around the reed beds towards King’s Sedgemoor Drain and heard but did not see several more…
Sunday 23 February – Barrow Gurney Reservoirs Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Waking to battering rain and wind, I did not expect to be leading ten waterproofed birders around the tanks, including Vanessa, new to birding and the Club. The decision not to take a scope was easy, but I was glad that the relative shelter of the trees, at the top of the steps of Tank 3, allowed more robust kit…
Tuesday 18 February – Backwell Lake Leaders: Sue and John Prince
After a brief shower of rain 18 of us set off to walk around the lake. The Gadwall pairs were the highlight, amongst the usual gulls, Mallard, Tufted Ducks, Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Moorhens and Coots. Two of the six Cormorants in the willow on the island flew off. The path to Youngwood Lane was muddy and the lane was…
Club Weekend, 7-10 February – Norfolk: Leader Jane Cumming
Sixteen members went on the long weekend trip to north Norfolk, expertly led by Jane Cumming. On the way we stopped at Welney Wetland Centre where we saw lots of Whooper Swans, Pochard and Teal. 55 different species were seen on our journey to Hunstanton, including Tree Sparrows and a Short-eared Owl at WWT, Red Kite, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier…
Tuesday 04 February – Bristol City Centre Leaders: Margaret Gorely and Nancy Barrett
Early February with lots of sunshine ensured that Harbourside and Clifton were looking good for the 27 members who assembled for this regular winter – virtually mud free – Tuesday walk. As usual we set off across the Pero’s Bridge and followed the Floating Harbour past M Shed. There were plenty of Black-headed and Herring Gulls on the water, a…
Tuesday 11 February – Coalpit Heath Leaders: Pat and Duncan Gill
The weather mitigated against a large turnout, so 16 on a blustery cold day wasn’t bad. We left the clubhouse with the wind pushing us along, as it was the two or three Cormorants and Grey Herons. A Sparrowhawk was circling, as normal, but pushed across the sky and out of sight in seconds. A single Redwing posed for a…
Tuesday 28 January – Stoke and Eastville Parks / Vassals Leader: Rich Scantlebury
A group of over 30 members congregated in Snuff Mills car park for our walk. The weather was dry and cold but sunny. As we entered the Frome Valley walkway, we saw Goldcrest, Stock Dove, Long-tailed Tit, and various corvids including Crow (35), Jackdaw (30) and Magpie (eleven). As the group started to elongate members were spotting Goldfinches (42 in…
Tuesday 21 January – Pensford Leaders: Nick Hawkridge and Mark Watson
The group met at 10:00 on a foggy cold day with the sun having little impact on the temperature. Geoff Harris was unable to lead so Nick Hawkridge and Mark Watson stepped up. We set off looking for the Dipper but it was not about, so instead we took the opportunity of looking at the 1968 high water levels marked…
Sunday 19 January – Marshfield Leader: Nick Hawkridge
On a bright sunlit morning, 17 muffled figures met in the layby in Marshfield. Health and Safety was on everyone’s mind as we sallied forth. Hazards included many frozen puddles, rutted frozen ground and lack of attention! The first distraction was a pair of Stonechat, busy with seed heads and keeping an eye on us. Along Northfield Lane beside the…
Tuesday 14 January – Cheddar Reservoir Leader: Mark Watson
The weather was damp and overcast and the forecast was for rain as ten of us set off around Cheddar Reservoir. Very wet and muddy conditions prevented us from visiting the levels to the south of the reservoir as planned. We were greeted by about 750 Coot as we crested the path, a regular sight at this venue. As we…
Sunday 12 January – Cotswold Water Park (CWP) Leader: Keith Williams
Just five people arrived at the Upper Up car park outside South Cerney correctly attired in wellington boots and waterproofs. The rain actually stopped as we started off across the playing field towards the Shorncote Reedbed, pausing to watch Redwing, Fieldfare and Song Thrush. As we reached the flooded section of the path we “lucked” onto the Lesser Whitethroat (possibly…
Tuesday 07 January – Between Chew and Blagdon Lakes Leaders: Sue and John Prince
34 members met at Herons Green on a rather windy and overcast morning. Water levels in the lake were high but we saw several egrets (three Great White Egret and one Little Egret), and a female Goldeneye. On our return to the lake at lunchtime we spotted four female and two male Goosanders, as well as 17 Great Crested Grebes.…
Wednesday 01 January – Slimbridge Leader: Robin Prytherch
31 members raised their hand at the start of the meeting – a wonderful turn out. This did mean of course, that we were crammed into the new Estuary Tower (ex Holden Tower site) initially, but all seemed to be enjoying the views of a variety of species. The tide was out so there was not the hoped for pack…
Tuesday 31 December – Frampton Cotterell Leader: Alastair Fraser
32 Tuesday walkers turned out for some post-Christmas gentle exercise and fresh air. Our leader, not as billed owing to an injury, was our Chairman, Alastair. He promised MUD – and this promise was kept! It was mild, calm and mainly grey, though there was an unexpected period with some blue sky and sunshine. First up were a gang of…
Tuesday 24 December – Snuff Mills Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Twelve walkers to match the twelve days of Christmas – alas, none of the species (except ‘calling birds’) mentioned in the song were found. Across the river and up into the woods where the first stand of tall trees was alive with birds. Highlights were: Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay and many Long-tailed Tits. Further into the wood…
Tuesday 17 December – Newton St. Loe Leaders: Duncan & Pat Gill
A thirty strong group of Tuesday walkers met with a few grumbles about the rain which, according to virtually allforecasts, should have been falling farther to the east for this pre-Christmas lunch walk. The rain continued to all for the first hour of the walk but in spite of it those with water defying binoculars and wipers on their specs’…
Tuesday 10 December – Ham Wall Leader: Mark Watson
On a wet and overcast day three members and the leader turned up in the hope of seeing the Starlings coming in to roost. The forecast was for heavy rain but thankfully this held off until we returned to our cars. Coal, Blue and Great Tit were on the feeders along with a Collared Dove and a Mute Swan and…
Tuesday 03 December – Uphill Leader: Jane Cumming
As the tide rose to its mid-morning high, 31 members met on the beach at Uphill on a fine morning with a light westerly wind. This being a neap tide, there was plenty of exposed beach even at high water, and today there were fewer dog walkers causing disturbance along the tideline than is often the case so the waders…
Sunday 01 December – Steart WWT Leader: Richard Belson
15 members set off from the car park on a cold and breezy day, having already listed Kestrel, Raven, Stonechat, Redwing, Fieldfare, Starlings, Pied Wagtail, Marsh Harrier and a large flock of distant Lapwing. On our way to the Mendip hide we saw Blackbird, Chaffinch, Mute Swan, Wren, Herring Gull and Reed Bunting. The water level in the scrapes seen…
Tuesday 26 November – Eastville Park Leader: Rich Scantlebury
The group of 13 gathered on a rather damp and overcast morning for the walk through Eastville Park. No damp spirits though, as a Goldcrest was soon spotted among the trees, a good start to the walk. On the bank of the river stood a Grey Heron, still as a statue, and on entering the open fields we saw a…
Tuesday 19 November – Saltford Leader: Robert Hargreaves
Twenty one of us met up on the cycle path, above the Bird in Hand, on a cool but pleasant morning. Flocks of Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits were busy in the trees about us but the only water bird to be seen was a Cormorant. We left the track and headed out across the seven stiles, the best section of…
Tuesday 19 November – Stoke Park/Eastville Park/Vassals Leader: Rich Scantlebury
17 club members gathered at the new starting point for this walk, with access to Eastville Park along a footpath from Elmgrove Road in Thingwall Park. The weather was dull and overcast but the rain held off. As we entered the park we soon had Blackbird, Great Tit, Jay and Carrion Crow sighted. Looking across the valley we saw the…
Sunday 17 November – Ham Wall Leader: Jeff Holmes
Over 30 club members attended this morning’s circular walk around the wetland habitats of the RSPB reserve on a dry calm day. Looking across the reed-bed and open water a good variety of ducks were present including Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal. Amongst a noisy flock of Lapwings were around 30 Black-tailed Godwits and small groups of flying Snipe. Great White…
Tuesday 12 November – Slimbridge Leader: Mark Watson
Thirty-one members met at Slimbridge on a cold and damp morning. We set of towards the Robbie Garnett hide and being a large group split between the hides towards the Tower Hide to avoid overcrowding. On this part of the reserve we saw Shoveler, Lapwing, Mallard, Goosander, three Snipe and many Teal, Tufted Ducks and Wigeon. The strong wind discouraged…
Tuesday 05 November – Winscombe Leader: Sue Watson
Our walk set off from the village (with 23 members), in cool, cloudy conditions but little wind. We headed down the first grassy field, passing House Sparrow, Jackdaw and where a flock of 300 Woodpigeons whirled away in flight. A further field provided Meadow Pipit and the first Magpie, before a path between trees and bushes enabled us to surprise…
Sunday 03 November – Newport Wetlands Leader: Mike Jackson
Fourteen members, including two on their first meeting, enjoyed a sunny Sunday at this RSPB reserve. At the feeding station just outside the visitor centre the activity simply wouldn’t stop. We quickly got our first 30 species including Little Grebe, Water Rail, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, Jay, Long-tailed Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Stonechat, Chaffinch,…
Tuesday 29 October – Blaise Castle Leader : Di Bunniss
The autumn weather stayed dry and cool as the group gathered for this walk through the Blaise estate. We passed by the mansion and took a short lane to the churchyard where a lone Mistle Thrush was seen perched high above us. From there we took the path out and through the short tunnel to emerge in Henbury field where…
Tuesday 22 October – Tickenham Leaders : Lois Pryce and Jan Pridie
30 members met on a radiantly warm day to walk Tickenham’s moors and wooded ridge. This was nearly a month later than our usual walk date, so it was interesting to see the differences in birds found. This included a flyover Fieldfare and Redwing, Tit flocks in the woods with Blue, Great, Coal, Marsh and Long-tailed, as well as Nuthatch,…
Club Weekend, 18-20 October – Kent Leader: Jane Cumming
Sixteen club members met in Gillingham on Kent’s north-west coast. Weather was generally mild and dry. Day 1: Oare Marshes is 81 hectares of grazing marsh with freshwater dykes, open water scrapes, reed bed, saltmarsh and seawall, on the north Kent coast facing the Isle of Sheppey across the Swale. (It was thought too early to visit Sheppey for…
Tuesday 15 October – Hawkesbury Upton Leader: Nick Hawkridge
A fat, puffed up Woodpigeon was dozing on a TV aerial, when its reverie was disturbed by the settling of 15 Starlings, exit stage left – one pigeon. The Starling count (43) was only bettered by Common Gull; c140. As the road climbed slightly, more and more gulls were revealed, all searching for food in the pasture. Linnets, Crows, Jackdaws…
Tuesday 08 October – Old Down, Tockington Leader: Sue Black
On a morning of gathering gloom and a forecast of rain and wind, a goodly gathering of about 20 set off from Old Down cricket club, having first spotted two Common Gulls and a Black-headed Gull on the playing field. One of the last Swallows flew over our heads. Across the cricket pitch and down the hill towards Tockington Manor,…
Sunday 06 October – Portland Bill: Leader Jane Cumming
Half a dozen people met at Ferrybridge on a bright sunny day with a brisk south-westerly wind. Unfortunately, that describes the least productive conditions at Portland where the birding tends to be much better in a howling easterly or poor weather – fog or rain – to bring seabirds and migrants into the Bill. The birding today was, not surprisingly,…
Tuesday 01 October – Dolebury Warren Leader: Mark Watson
After a very poor weather forecast of heavy rain three members set off up Dolebury Warren. Contrary to expectations some blue sky was emerging and the brighter weather held for the majority of the walk, although the wind was strong. On the way from the Crown to the A38 several Wood Pigeons, Goldfinches, Robins, Blackbirds, Dunnocks, Blue Tits and Wren…
Sunday 29 September – Pilning Wetlands.
This meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather.
Tuesday 24 September – Arlingham.
This meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather.
Tuesday 17 September – Marshfield Leader Chris Perry
A bright sunny morning with a cool wind greeted 31 members for a walk over the agricultural land to the north of Marshfield. Early sightings were a flock of 22 Woodpigeons, some 70 Carrion Crows, a Buzzard and a Kestrel. Overhead power lines had Corn Buntings perching on them – we saw about 60 in all and we were able…
Tuesday 10 September – Folly Farm Leader: Jean Oliver
We set off to see “our” hedge, that is the one we planted in October 2017 as part of the Club’s 50th anniversary celebrations. It seems to be looking healthy, even though the height of some species disappointed a few. It is not the time of year for birdsong but many Robins were heard en route plus calls of Chiffchaff,…
Saturday 31 August – Chew Valley Lake Leader: Robert Hargreaves
Fourteen people met at a cool and breezy Herriott’s Bridge. In the pool there were three Pintails among the more common ducks, two Great White Egrets and three Green Sandpipers. We saw the flash of a Kingfisher and a Chiffchaff called. Soon it was time to walk to the Ringing Station to be greeted by Mike Bailey and his team.…
Tuesday 27 August – Elm Farm, Burnett Leader: Roger Palmer
It was a fine sunny morning as 30 of us, including our host Philippa Paget, gathered at the farm entrance. This was to be Roger‘s “retirement walk”, his last time to lead it and so a bit special. Philippa described the farm’s involvement in Environmental Stewardship schemes, while Swallows and House Martins swooped around us. We set off across the…
Tuesday 20 August – New Passage and Pilning Wetlands Leader: Jane Cumming
A great turn out for this morning’s high tide walk – people came and went a bit, but if you count them all there were 41 attendees altogether, still well beaten by the species count of 59. We started at New Passage corner, looking along the tideline where a large flock of Ringed Plover and Dunlin with a handful of…
Tuesday 13 August – Chew Valley Lake Leader: Mike Landen
It was a very pleasant August morning with plenty of sunshine, not too hot for walking, with no rain forecast and so it was not surprising that 33 members met in the main car park at Chew Valley Lake. We did a bit of birding from the car park and then moved to the dam wall, seeing Little Egret, Grey…
Sunday 11 August 2019 – East Devon. Leader Jane Cumming
After the previous day’s gales and squalls we were glad to wake to a calmer, sunny day although we did manage to dodge some very heavy showers in the afternoon. When seven members met at Aylesbeare Common the wind was urprisingly moderate and we decided to do the shorter walk around the top of the reserve. A Hobby skimmed over…
Tuesday 06 August – Bridgeyate and Siston Leader: Dave Body
Our party of 28 had waterproofs in hand or bag; it really did look like rain as we left the car park. A flight of juvenile Starlings flew left and then returned, a few House Martins swished about the chimney pots and five Jackdaws roosted on the tiles of No 29 London Rd. A keen wind made the odd Herring…
Tuesday 30 July – Failand Leader: Gareth Roberts
Eleven intrepid walkers were not deterred by the forecast thunderstorms. In the event they passed us by, and despite some rain the conditions were mainly dry and warm. The farm at the start of the walk was productive as usual, we had five Swallows and the first of 17 House Martins, with two still active martin nests on the farm…
Friday 26 July – Acres Down, New Forest Leader: Jane Cumming
Were the five members who braved the heavy traffic on the first school holiday weekend foolhardy, or did the hope of New Forest specialities make up for the lengthy drive? Well, we did have two distant views of Goshawk although the wished for Honey Buzzard failed to appear. Spotted Flycatchers performed well as did the Stock Dove in their display…
Tuesday 23 July – Little Sodbury Leader: Nick Hawkridge
A very hot day. I was surprised that 21 walkers came for a picnic walk and that only three people broke away to finish early. The first bird was a Magpie, followed by a party of mixed tits and Chiffchaff, with a Raven at the top of a pylon sounding off every few seconds. A Great Spotted Woodpecker stayed on…
Saturday 20 July – Marshfield Leaders: Sue and Nigel Kempson
Twelve BOC members attended this walk around Marshfield on a thankfully dry evening. From Tanners Close we crossed the A420 and immediately had Pied Wagtail and Crow in the field and a group of Starlings perched on the distant overhead wire. As we went along the lane, we were treated to the song of our first Corn Bunting as well…
Tuesday 16 July – Clevedon and Walton Common Leader: Judy Copeland
Another baking hot day. 22 people set off across Clevedon Golf Course, pausing to let the golfers do their thing before we arrived at the cottages, where we found Swallows, House Sparrows, a Pied Wagtail and a Collared Dove. Once we got to the path leading to and along the estuary, we heard the first of several Blackcaps singing and…
Tuesday 09 July – Goblin Combe Leader: Alastair Fraser
The walk goes from the car park by the old quarry, along the Combe then climbing to the top of the limestone escarpment, a short detour round Warren House and then a descent through the woods, passing the ancient settlement at Cleeve Toot. The morning started with a family of Green Woodpeckers flying over the car park and posing in…
Sunday 07 July – Forest of Dean Leader: Mike Jackson
22 members assembled at Cannop Ponds on a dry but humid evening. We crossed the causeway, passing a Pied Wagtail family on the picnic tables. Inspecting the top pond we saw a Common Sandpiper perching at the far end. Also on the pond were a Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mandarin, Tufted Duck, Mallard and ducklings. The male…
Tuesday 02 July – Lower Woods/Wetmoor Leader: Jean Oliver
32 members set off – and another three did a same location/different route walk owing to a late arrival! It was one of those perfect English summer mornings, blue sky with lots of cumulus clouds, cool breeze, temperatures just right (unless you like it tropical). However, during the first half hour it did seem to be more of a butterfly,…
Thursday 27 June – Exmoor mid-week walk Leader Jane Cumming
On a glorious summer morning nine members met at Webbers Post and drove on down across the ford to spend a couple of hours in the cool of the valley floor exploring Horner Wood. Flycatchers were very difficult to locate, with just one glimpse of a probable Pied, but we did find Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Wood Warblers, Chiffchaffs, lots of…
Tuesday 25 June – Velvet Bottom Leader: Geoff Harris
A good count of walkers today (17), which considering the very low cloud and the final tally of 32 species was not bad either. Whitethroat was the first song we heard and having played the CD with the volume up in the car, we all had our ears tuned to hear the subsequent nine others. As we entered the reserve…
Tuesday 18 June – Hinton Blewitt / Litton Reservoirs Leaders: John and Sue Prince
24 birders met on a fine but overcast morning and set off through the village of Hinton Blewitt. House Martins, Jackdaws and House Sparrows and a Pied Wagtail carrying food were seen along with a displaying Collared Dove. Rain started as we crossed the fields in which Meadow Brown butterflies were seen. The sound of birdsong aided identification of Yellowhammer,…
Sunday 16 June- Gower Peninsula Leader: Alastair Fraser
Thirty three birders set off on a four mile walk around the Gower from Rhossili, after Alastair explained the ancient field systems we would be looking at, and the carboniferous and oolitic limestone rock formations. The fields dating from the thirteenth century and separated by earth banks were planted up with hay meadow, lupin, sunflower, linseed, lavender, lucerne and a…
Tuesday 11 June – Sand Point/Middle Hope Leader: Nick Hawkridge
The rain only really became constant after we were on the way back from the picnic. Before we got to the top of the steps above the car park it was quite calm being totally in the lee of the hill. There was a juvenile Robin, calling Chiffchaff and Blackcap, with a Wren sounding off as we climbed. At the…
Tuesday 04 June – Newport Wetlands Leaders: Margaret & Ray Bulmer
Perhaps the threat of poor weather deterred some members, but 16 came along. For some, this was a first visit to the site and they were rewarded with a good days birding. The morning stayed dry as we walked around. Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and a Pheasant were around the feeders. A Little Grebe was seen on the…
Saturday 01 June – Ham Wall Leader: Jane Cumming
15 members met on a beautiful summer’s morning. We were a little late setting off due to unforeseen roadworks en route but the trip was worth it. First seen were two Spotted Flycatchers, darting in the trees in an identifiable manner. We walked to the first platform and then out to the Tor Hide. Greylag Geese flew across in the…
Tuesday 28 May – Northend
Twelve members set off on this lovely walk, which included fabulous views over Bath and the surrounding countryside. We started by climbing Solsbury Hill. After circling the top of the hill, we stopped for coffee before descending gently to Chilcombe Bottom and back to Northend. It was a cloudy day with occasional sunshine and showers. From Northend village we passed…
Tuesday 21 May – Compton Dando
It was a beautiful sunny morning but not too hot; just perfect for a four mile walk with the hope of seeing some good birds. As 22 of us set off from the Compton Inn there were some common birds around the village, including House Sparrow, Jackdaw and House Martin. There were also good views of two Goldfinches along the…
Sunday 19 May – Quantocks
The sessile oak woods, stream and crowberry were a beautiful sight as 14 of us set off up Hodders Combe on a lovely sunny morning. A Wood Warbler was singing (the first of five and we saw one), and a Blackcap and Chiffchaff joined him. Some of the party saw a Garden Warbler. A Grey Wagtail was briefly along the…
Friday 17 May – Highnam Woods
On a cool but still evening Hannah Booth, RSPB site manager, gave 19 members another of her informative tours of the woods, with a focus on the habitat management for Nightingales creating blocks of coppice of different ages, together with wet areas. It was interesting to see how a block that we saw when it was newly created in 2017…
Tuesday 14 May – South Stoke
Led by Dave Body, 21 walkers gathered on a bright sunny morning in the centre of the village with lovely views across the valley. As we left the village, we saw House Martins busying themselves around the nearby houses, whilst Swift and Jackdaw flew overhead. South Stoke sits in a designated conservation area so the walk alone was of great…
Tuesday 07 May – Puxton Moor
With competition from the holiday season, including the Club trip to Scotland, a select group of eleven walkers set out past the church with its leaning tower on a dry and increasingly sunny day. One of the village Swallows flew over and the first of 14 Wrens sang out. A Reed Warbler was singing as we approached the reed-lined ditches…
Scotland 04 -11 May – Glenloy
Eleven club members joined this trip which was centred around the Fort William area of north west Scotland. We stayed at Glenloy Lodge which had very peaceful surrounding and a bonus in the form of two Pine Martins which would visit in the evenings to feed on snacks put out by our host Jon. We were incredibly privileged to be…
Tuesday 30 April – Priors Wood, Portbury — Leader Judy Copeland
A large number of people gathered in Station Road, an intermingling of groups, as a walking group from Nailsea was starting at the same time. House Martins were circling above us, a Blackbird was singing, also a Chaffinch and a Collared Dove. The walk started briskly with the frontrunners off ahead, but at the back we managed to hear Robin,…
Sunday 28 April – Steps Bridge Nature Reserve — Leaders: Sue and Nigel Kempson
After the wild and windy preceding day, it was a relief to drive south in calmer, brighter conditions. However at our destination the sky was overcast and it was spotting with rain and it continued to do so for most of the day. Seven of us set off from the Steps Bridge car park walking over the bridge and turning…
Tuesday 23 April – Badminton — Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Twenty six people met at the village hall on a glorious morning, with ‘just in case’ waterproofs staying firmly in the rucksacks. The first of the Blackcap sang from the woods as we set off, with a further dozen record during the day. Jackdaw was much in evidence during the walk and the Blue Tit, the most often heard of…
Tuesday 16 April – Kings Wood and Wavering Down
The weather was wet, grey and gloomy. Thirteen hardy souls set off on what turned out to be a lovely walk in a variety of habitats. In total, 37 different species were seen, most notably a Redstart. Leaving the National Trust car park behind us, we journeyed upwards along the Mendip Way towards Wavering Down, through woodlands. A Sparrowhawk flew…
Sunday 14 April – Ashley Walk, New Forest – Leader: Jane Cumming
Nine of us assembled in the Ashley Walk car park for an amble across heathland and through woodland for this all day event. A chilly wind from the south east kept the temperatures down and birdlife appeared quite sparse to start with. A handful of species were encountered on the heath at the beginning including Stonechat, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch…
Tuesday 09 April – Hanham Leaders: Jenny Weeks, Jean Oliver, Karen & Luke Birmingham
The rain held off more or less, as 22 of us walked through the mixed woodland of Bickley and Hencliffe Woods and back along the River Avon. The heronry was well populated with adults and two chicks were seen by most, as the youngest of the group had kindly brought his ‘scope’. Of the 35 species seen, highlights were: a…
Saturday 06 April – Forest of Dean – Leader: Mike Jackson
The Forest of Dean was always going to be tricky in early April. Winter flocks now diminished and summer migrants not quite ready. On top of everybody’s hit list were those forest gems – Hawfinch, Crossbill, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Goshawk. All we had to do was find them. From the Speech House Woodland car park, 25 of us set…
Tuesday 02 April – Gordano Valley Leader: Geoff Harris
After the recent warm spell the temperature had returned to a more seasonal six degrees, although the 18 walkers were relieved that the overnight rain had stopped. We were rewarded with an excellent spring total of 42 species. As we set out, the trees on Moor Lane were full of song with Blackcap (day total nine), Chiffchaff (16), Robin (14),…
Tuesday 26 February – Uphill and Walborough Hill Leader: Jane Cumming
When forty members met on the beach the tide was still well down. We noted four Little Egrets in the marsh, just a few gulls on Black Rock and not many ducks in the river mouth, so we decided to head up to Walborough Hill (stopping to notice a Little Grebe on the marina pool) to take a look across…
Sunday 24 February – Blashford Lakes Leader: Keith Williams
Just four of us travelled down through the early morning fog to Ringwood for a walk around the Blashford Lakes reserve. We gathered in the sun at the Education Centre where the feeders held Chaffinch and Nuthatch, before making our way to the Woodland hide for excellent views of Siskin, Reed Bunting and Coal Tit. Ivy South hide was quiet…
Tuesday 19 February – Backwell Lake and Chelvey Leaders: Sue and John Prince
35 birders met on a sunny and spring-like morning at the Perrings above Backwell Lake. Straightaway Canada Geese could be heard calling and most of these seemed to be already paired up. On the lake there were MuteSwan, Mallard, ten Tufted Ducks, three Shovelers, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black-headed Gull, two Coots, and several Moorhens. Four Cormorants sat in the…
Club Weekend, 15 – 18 February – Cornwall Leader: Jane Cumming
We were 15 participants, based at Bosavern House just below St Just. Weather generally fine and relatively mild with some strong winds, and overcast. As tradition dictates, we stopped in Hayle for pasties and scouted Copperhouse Creek, dockside Carnsew Pool, and Ryan’s Field RSPB reserve and the estuary bay, getting over 20 wetland species including Mediterranean Gulls (one pair posturing…
Tuesday 12 February – Ham Wall, Somerset Levels Leader: Peter Holbrook
Twenty-seven birders set off from the RSPB car park on a mild but overcast afternoon. We walked along the main track towards platform one, seeing Kingfisher, Redwing and the usual tits, Robins and Chaffinches. At the platform we looked over the water and reed beds where good numbers of Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Teal and Wigeon with one male Pochard…
Tuesday 05 February – Pensford Leader: Geoff Harris
A warm coat, wellington boots – both pretty essential for today’s amble around Pensford. The playing fields opened our list with Common and Black-headed Gull picking off many tasty morsels. A wander into the village was rewarded – the Dipper whipped across the tops of the turgid water, first up river and then back before disappearing under the house. A…
Tuesday 29 January – Cheddar reservoir Leader: Alastair Fraser
On a chilly, overcast morning 23 of us met at the southern car park. We started with a few minutes scanning the water then set off clockwise. Looking down to the fields, trees and hedgerows we soon spotted a Green Woodpecker poking around in the grass while a Jay flew into a tree nearby. A Mistle Thrush sang loudly; Redwings…