Trip report: Forest of Dean (5 March 2013)

Twenty-four members, joined by another before we left New Fancy View, gathered for the annual Tuesday morning Forest of Dean expedition. As the sun had already been shining for some hours we optimistically kept our eyes peeled for possible sunning adders on the climb up to the viewing point where the visibility wasn’t gin- clear, … Read more

Trip report: Forest of Dean (2 March 2013)

The ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean made a welcome start to March as 22 BOC members joined a walk with chairman, Ed Drewitt, starting off around the RSPB’s Nagshead reserve. Blackbirds were all over the woodland, scattering as we approached them along the footpaths – many were probably migrants getting ready for their … Read more

Forest of Dean, Saturday 2nd March

The ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean made a welcome start to March as 22 BOC members joined a walk with chair Ed Drewitt, starting off around the RSPB’s Nagshead reserve. Blackbirds were all over the woodland, scattering as we approached them along the footpaths – many were probably migrants getting ready for their … Read more

Trip report: Bridgeyate (19 February 2013)

It was a glorious spring morning and 26 Tuesday walkers set off out of Bridgeyate towards Siston Common and Webbs Heath. Nine species of birds were recorded around the housing estate including Herring Gull, Collared Dove, Dunnock and Starling. As we walked along the Dramway path and down to the stream, a Bullfinch was calling … Read more

Trip report: Berrow (17 February 2013)

The planned walk was to watch winter thrushes and Blackcaps feasting on the masses of Sea Buckthorn berries in an area of the dunes at Berrow that gets very little attention from birdwatchers. Unfortunately, the snow fall early in the year heralded the arrival of thousands of birds, which subsequently devoured virtually every single berry. … Read more

Trip report: Backwell Lake (12 Febuary 2013)

On a chilly grey morning 22 birdwatchers met at The Perrings, Nailsea for a walk round Backwell Lake and the local countryside towards Chelvey Batch and Manor. Two Little Egrets were on the bank at the lake, one already with breeding plumes but the Goosander which are normally present during winter were absent. However, Tufted … Read more

Trip report: Norfolk (1 – 4 Feburary 2013)

A Wild Goose Chase and Much More A party of 17 departed Bristol in good order on the Friday morning, 13 in the minibus and four outriders travelling by car; destination – the comfortable Burleigh Hotel in Hunstanton. This was definitely a winter event with weather ranging from bracing to bleak – strong winds throughout … Read more

Trip Report: Burnett (29 January 2013)

Elm Farm at Burnett, run by Philippa and John is under a stewardship scheme, so plenty of areas are left uncut and some areas are seeded for wildlife. With the rain after snow it was wet underfoot and the standing water in some fields developed quite well during our walk! Ten walkers were undeterred by … Read more