Field trip reports

This year four juveniles have fledged. They were early for the site, around 09 and 10 June. The adultfemale is new this year as there are no rings, the female from the last three years had been ringed inCheltenham. Last year’s male had no rings and may be the same bird.

Thank goodness it was much cooler than the last few weeks for this very enjoyable walk around Ridge Woods. Sixteen of us set off on a well-maintained path through the woods whilst firstly encountering a number of Swifts swooping above, followed by Dunnock, Greenfinch, Stock Dove and Robin. A little further on we heard a very loud call of a Peregrine. Shortly after this our 17th walker appeared whilst we encountered Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch and Goldcrest. Our 18th walker joined us after 30 minutes, taunting us with the fact he had seen a Bullfinch, not six feet away. Proceeding onward, on a not so well-maintained path, we later discovered Barnhill Quarry, where we observed another Peregrine, Buzzard, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Grey Heron, a noisy Green Woodpecker, plus a Kestrel. More Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Blackbird, and Song Thrush among other regulars were seen or heard. As a bonus Large Skipper, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet butterflies appeared, mostly near the quarry. One member suffered an unfortunate fall towards the end. We found 31 bird species in total. Many thanks to Alan for leading a great walk. Graham Blacker

Just don’t mention the heat! I’m sure the nine members who turned up for this one enjoyed a somewhat challenging walk, although they didn’t quite know what was in store for them before we commenced. It all started with cake which we attempted to eat before the walk began; you can imagine how we coped with chocolate cake at 32º C (sorry I mentioned the heat again). After cleaning our hands of well melted chocolate, our route took us past Smithams chimney before crossing a few fields and onto our descent of the coombe, where many fallen trees needed to be climbed over or limboed under, plus a brook to traverse. I was surprised we had only four fallers, including myself. By this time, among the 30 species we had recorded, we encountered Garden and Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Siskin, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Song Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tit, five Red Kites, Buzzard and a soaring Sparrowhawk whilst admiring fantastic views of Chew Valley Lake. After our somewhat successful navigation through the coombe with lunch approaching, we decided to cut the walk short. Luckily we did, as our route back saw 30 Swifts flying, calling and swooping between us, as well as Swallow and Chaffinch before all participants safely returned to their cars. Did I mention how hot it was? Thanks to Caron for helping me lead and for keeping the bird count. (Thanks to Graham for leading) Graham Blacker

Thirteen members met on a sunny and pleasant day at New Passage. We started looking at the coast while the tide was coming in. There were a few Curlew, including a couple of juveniles. There was also a group of Oystercatchers, a good number of Shelducks, including a family group with six small ducklings, and some Pied Wagtail, Linnet, Skylark and Starlings in the salt marsh. Male and female Kestrel were hunting from posts over the saltmarsh. The female looked a little scruffy with a couple of feathers protruding from the chest. She did allow quite a close approach so the group had very good views. Further on we observed the Pilning Wetland pools: there was a single Little Ringed Plover, a single Tufted Duck, Mute Swan and Mallard. In the furthest pool, a single Avocet could be seen with some Lapwings. Walking north east along the path, there were Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers calling from the reed beds. Little Grebes were observed in the pools. Passing further on we were treated to the song of two Sedge Warblers with their typical mimicry including songs from Swallow, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff, that we were able to recognise. Along the track on the eastern border of the wetlands, we saw Redshank and two Ringed Plovers. Returning to our cars, we had a fleeting view of a Kingfisher heading upstream and heard a Water Rail. There was a good list of 53 species, and it was nice to see one younger member joining us. (Many thanks to Robin for leading) Robin Martin

A great start to this one as a dozen Swifts swooped above before we even began. Shortly after our leader took an incorrect route but was promptly redirected, allowing 13 of us to skirt the golf club as we headed towards the coastal path. Early sightings included Woodpigeon, Herring Gull and House Sparrow. Venturing the densely vegetated pathway afforded some clear views of both Wales and the Bristol Channel. The terrain was proving quite difficult as one member soon found out as he tripped and almost fell roly-poly down the embankment. Fortunately, there was no need for the coast guard as it was just a bruised shin and damaged ego. At this point we managed to observe Shelduck and Mallard on the coastline. This was proving to be a fine day but became humid as we began to ascend “cardiac hill.” We were met with a large number of cows that seemed to be blocking our exit but as Caron was first to the top, they soon fled! By this time, we had seen or heard Stock Dove, Pheasant, Blue, Coal, Long-tailed and Great Tit. As we approached the common our sightings were expanded to include Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Upon taking a well-earned rest, we were serenaded by numerous Whitethroats. Few species were seen heading back save for a beautiful Buzzard, which soared just above us. 32 species in total. Thanks to Robin for leading. Graham Blacker

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

Seventeen of us set off from Portbury village in cool blustery conditions which improved as the morning progressed. Immediately there were House Martins over the allotments and from the railway bridge two Buzzards circling in the distance over the Gordano Valley. When we turned off the road a Goldcrest was heard and, in a different tree, two juvenile “crests” were seen, most likely Gold. At the start of the footpath a Sparrowhawk went over and for quite a distance the hedgerows were very quiet. Eventually we started to hear Chiffchaff and then, closer to the nature reserve, Whitethroats, Reed Warbler and Cetti’s Warbler. Along the salt marsh were a number of Skylark and Reed Bunting. Viewing the pools from the two hides we counted the Lesser Black-backed Gulls (74) but the duck numbers were low, just a few pairs of Tufted Duck, Mallard and Gadwall, the latter being put up by an errant dog which had escaped from its owner. The two adult Lapwings also went up, being decidedly irate with the dog and its owner. There were Swallows and Martins on the walk back up Wharf Lane. Along Sheepway the stragglers in the group witnessed a Kestrel make a successful kill, just 20 feet from a gateway. A good walk with 48 species identified. Thanks to Jane for leading and all who attended. Keith Williams

On a sunny, clear and cool day, a group of twelve set out from the picturesque Duchy of Cornwall-owned village of Newton St Loe. Passing Holy Trinity Church, which dates to the 11th century, the group noted Woodpigeon, Wren and Robin. The route proceeded down Workshop Lane and along a track which led us to a small waterfall, eventually reaching the first large lake where Mallard, Stock Dove, Grey Heron and Chiffchaff were observed. At the second, more scenic lake, the group immediately spotted Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Nuthatch, and Mistle and Song Thrush. A coffee break in the pagoda provided an opportunity to appreciate the view of the lake, Manor House and Castle, and contemplate how lucky the students are to study in such a lovely setting. There was a brief glimpse of a Kingfisher. We crossed a small footbridge with sightings of a Grey Wagtail and numerous Rooks. Traversing the campus, a couple of colourful Chaffinches were in nearby trees. Continuing on past the Manor House crossing the fields yielded views of Buzzards, Red Kite and Sparrowhawk. Returning to the village a pair of keen eyes identified a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a similar pair of keen ears heard a Spotted Flycatcher. The outing was both enjoyable and productive and I ’m sure most would agree this is one of the most enjoyable of walks, withthanks extended to Rob for leading the walk. 45 total species. Graham Blacker

What a great time of year to visit Ham Wall – Bitterns booming, Cuckoos calling and warblers warbling! The air was filled with dragonflies and damselflies and many birds were nurturing their young. Nine of us met in the car park at 09:00, later to be joined by others so we eventually totalled 15. On the way to the first viewpoint, we stopped to admire a female Blackcap preening and posing for us. From the Tor View Hide we heard a Cuckoo and saw a Bittern flying in the distance. On the way towards Avalon Hide we heard a variety of warblers (including Garden and Willow) and caught a glimpse of some, but it was rather breezy so they kept mostly out of sight. Highlights at Avalon Hide were a flock of five Cranes circling in the distance – what a treat! – and through a scope we could just see a Barn Owl in its box. Marsh Harriers showed well and a flock of Sand Martins were nesting rather precariously in a huge soil heap on the outskirts of the reserve, evidently preferring this site to the purpose-built RSPB accommodation! A Hobby showed well near Viewpoint 2 on the return route and some also saw the Blue-winged Teal at Viewpoint 1 which had attracted a crowd. A great day out, worth getting up early on a Sunday for, and then rain stayed away! Thank you to Peter for leading the walk and bringing his scope. Denise Rudeford

Despite favourable weather conditions for some at least, the attendance at today’s walk through Priors Wood was limited. Initially, it appeared the event might proceed in solitude until Colin and Olwyn arrived shortly before 10:00, for which their presence was appreciated. The first notable observation consisted of five House Martins near the house eaves prior to entering the woodland, where the shade was most welcome. Soon after, Chiffchaff, ten Blackcaps, a couple of Goldcrests, and a Dunnock were recorded, each vocalising actively amidst the sunlight. At 11:00, we paused on a large log to appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, punctuated by the songs of additional species such as Blackbird, Robin, and Coal Tit. The walk continued through the woods and across streams, yielding further observations including a faintly heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, and an auditory record of Treecreeper. While the total count was relatively modest due to fewer observers, it is likely that many species went undetected. Upon returning to the vehicles, a Herring Gull was seen perched on a chimney, followed by a final sighting of a soaring Buzzard, resulting in a respectable total of 25 species for the day. This was a lovely walk through beautiful woods where there were still a few Bluebells to be seen even this late into May (Thanks to Graham for leading) Graham Blacker