Nine of us met at 20:00 in the Speech House car park, Forest of Dean. It was good to welcome three who were new to the group. The weather was fine and mild as we set off on our roundabout route to the top of the hill. Walking up through the trees, Siskins and Goldcrests were heard, followed by more…
Category: Trip reports
Tuesday 25 June – Saltford Leader: Robert Hargreaves
On a hot midsummer morning 26 of us met at St Mary’s Church Saltford for a beautiful three mile walk, a Buzzard hanging high in the sky above us. As we set off along back lanes down to the marina a Great Spotted and a Green Woodpecker were seen and Chiffchaffs were heard. At the marina we watched a Grey…
Saturday 22 June – Marshfield Leader: Robert Hargreaves
This was the standard walk from Marshfield, down the chest-high grass of Northfield Lane, on to Rushmead Farm, and back by Rushmead Lane. This walk was on a beautiful sunny evening. There was lots of song from Corn Buntings, Skylarks and Yellowhammers all the way through. A very distant Red Kite was caught in a telescope. Swifts, Swallows and House…
Tuesday 18 June – Lower Failand Leader: Alan Craddock
22 of us met outside St Bartholomew’s church at Lower Failand. House Martins were flying around the church as we set off down the lane on a bright sunny morning. A Great Spotted Woodpecker provided our first sighting, along with a distant Greenfinch. Chiffchaff, Wren and Blackcaps were pretty much constant song companions throughout the walk. One of our group…
Tuesday 11 June – Backwell Lake Leaders: Sue and John Princ
It was a fine cool morning with some sun and a light breeze. Twenty birdwatchers enjoyed a circuit of the lake, where we saw a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, Mallard, Gadwall, Moorhen, and Coots with a nest. Blackcaps sang, a Cetti’s Warbler and Chiffchaffs were prominent. The Mute Swans still have six cygnets but the Canada Goose goslings appear…
Tuesday 04 June – Sand Point Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Overcast, with rain in the air, but the beauty of this area could not be diminished. A Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat were heard up the path but no Stonechat at the trig point. A fresh, west wind whipped about us but only a couple of Shelducks and a few large gulls showed in the bay. Swallows and Swifts appeared as…
Saturday 01 June – Stockhill Woods Leader: Graham Blacker
On a glorious sunny morning albeit with a chilly wind four birders joined Graham, two of whom were attending a BOC trip for the first time. A Red Kite was spotted before we set off, which boded well. We crossed the road to the Mineries and recorded both Meadow and Tree Pipit. There was also Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Willow and…
Tuesday 28 May – Pilning and New Passage Leader: Lois Pryce
The forecast was for almost constant rain, but 15 brave members attended and luckily we barely got wet. Waders on foreshore, saltmarsh and pools included Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Whimbrel. Avocet, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and young, with Canada Geese, Shelduck, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Coot and Moorhen, a Mute Swan pair with five small…
Saturday 25 May – Tintern, Angidy Trail Leader: Graham Blacker
A glorious sunny day saw six of us set off from the car park, where already we had spotted a pair of Grey Wagtails. As we climbed up into the wood above the river we were regaled by numerous songbirds: Song Thrush, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, and Dunnock, all singing almost constantly and from all sides! A Goldcrest burst into song…
Tuesday 21 May – Leap Valley Leaders: Joyce Donkor and Kate Cashmore
Nineteen people set off on a warm sunny day to explore this valley tucked away in East Bristol. We crossed the community field where Magpies and Jackdaws foraged in the grass and Feral and Wood Pigeons and Collared Doves flew among the trees, and a Herring Gull flew over. On entering the wood, a Song Thrush was singing. Further along,…
Sunday 19 May – Quantocks Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Our party of eight had travelled to Holford in promising sunshine, which persisted all day with a steady north-east breeze. Before entering Hodder’s Combe proper, a pair of Swallows were a delight to see over the houses. Up to the first ford we encountered a pair of Stock Doves “coo-wuping” together on the west fringe of the woods, a Grey…
Tuesday 14 May – Tintern, Angidy Trail Leader: Graham Blacker
Seventeen members met to walk the trail. From the car park we saw a very pale Buzzard. We set off up a very steep path and we heard Song Thrush all the way to the top. We entered Glyn Woods and we heard Goldcrest, 12 Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Blackcap and more Song Thrushes. We stopped by a pond and two of…
Sunday 12 May – Ham Wall Leader: Nick Page
Five of us met in the car park on a lovely morning and were surprised at how much the reserve had dried out after the recent flooding. Some members went on the Bristol Naturalist?s walk that was also happening that day. We bumped into each other a few times and shared our sightings. Ham Wall is alive with birds in…
Friday 10 May – Highnam Woods Leader: Lewis Thomson
Fifteen of us met in the evening in the hopes of hearing Nightingale in one of their last local strongholds. Lewis, the RSPB warden for Gloucestershire, led us around the reserve explaining how they manage it for the iconic songsters. He pointed out many different fauna and flora and answered our questions on these topics. The reserve has many species…
Tuesday 07 May – Oldbury Power Station Leader: Di Bunniss
We had a wonderful walk at Oldbury Power station with a group of 31 people in total. We spotted a Buzzard while waiting for everyone to arrive at the car park. The sun was shining and became quite warm during the walk. Lots of song by Chiffchaffs and Blackbirds along the way. There was a debate whether we were hearing…
Saturday 04 May – Inglestone Common Leader: Mike Jackson
Five of us met in Lower Woods car park on a gloriously sunny morning where we watched a Coal Tit taking food to its concealed nest on the other side of the garden wall of the Lodge. As we set off for the Common, a Willow Warbler sang, psychologically helping us cope with the standing water that was persistently underfoot.…
Tuesday 30 April – Puxton Moor Leader: Gareth Roberts
Twenty walkers met by the church with its leaning tower for a walk round Avon Wildlife Trust’s Puxton Moor reserve. The cold wind initially had the birds keeping their heads down, but it settled and the sun brought some warmth. Leaving the village a flock of 13 Canada Geese flew over, and four Swallows in the distance. Along the road…
Tuesday 23 April – Marshfield Leader: Chris Perry
Our party of 29 were mostly prepared for the chilly north wind that saw us zipping up our coats and fleeces good and tight. An obliging Corn Bunting stayed on its wire until we’d trooped over the road up the lane and could stand virtually beneath it. Skylark started to sing, a couple of Swallows headed east over the track…
Sunday 21 April – RSPB Franchises Lodge, New Forest Leader: Izzy (RSPB)
Five members made the trip to Franchises Lodge, the only inland RSPB reserve in the New Forest. Izzy, the reserve manager, led us around a large and varied woodland and described the ongoing work to build a mosaic habitat including felling and removal of rhododendron. A Wood Warbler was heard in the car park and it didn’t take long to…
Tuesday 16 April – Hanham Mills Leader: Karen Birmingham
Thirty walkers set out on a bright and breezy day through woodland full of wood anemones, wild garlic and bluebells, and then back along the River Avon past the heronry. Thirty six bird species were seen or heard including a Treecreeper feeding its mate, Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Moorhen, Buzzard, ten Mallard ducklings and, of course, the Grey Herons.…
Saturday 13 April – Sand Point / Middle Hope Leader: Giles Morris
This joint walk with the Bristol Naturalists’ Society had more than 30 people meet in the car park with high hopes of hearing Grasshopper Warbler and seeing some spring migrants. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the lovely views as well as good company. The birds did not disappoint either with displaying Whitethroat and Linnet at Sand…
Tuesday 09 April – Bath Skyline Leader: Graham Blacker
Seventeen members met at the overflow car park of the American Museum, a re-arranged meeting place as the original meeting point was inaccessible due to road works. Coran, a new member, met with us for the first time. Wind gusts up to 35mph and cold temperatures meant that bird sightings were fewer than usual. We were rewarded early on with…
Tuesday 02 April – Between the Lakes Leader: Jean Oliver
Twenty Five of us met at Herons Green for a walk between Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, after the planned walk at Folly Farm was cancelled due to flooding. Spring had arrived with several wild flowers in bloom, birds carrying nesting material, including Jackdaws that were making their home at the top of the Obelisk on Breach Hill, and birdsong…
Tuesday 26 March – Bristol Centre Leader: Alan Craddock
Eighteen members assembled in Millenium Square for a thankfully dry stroll around the docks. Our first halt was outside the Arnolfini where Rich Scantlebury gave us pointers on gull plumage and identified a young Great Black -backed Gull in amongst the immature Herring Gulls. Two Canada Geese, a Cormorant and a Moorhen were locally in attendance. Moving along past M…
Tuesday 19 March Burnett – Elm Farm Leader: Philippa Paget
Thirty people gathered in the farmyard in fine, sunny weather. Philippa gave a short talk on the set-up and ethos of the farm. We set-off across the fields, spotting a distant Red Kite and then a closer Kestrel. The trees and hedges of the field boundaries were filled with Chaffinches and bright Yellowhammers in pleasing numbers; Skylarks sang along as…
Tuesday 12 March – Luckington Leader: Graham Blacker
Seven turned up on a very wet day. We set off towards Luckington Court and saw our first of many (40+) Woodpigeons and (100+) Jackdaws. It was hard to spot the birds in all the rain but we heard Robin, Goldcrest, Wren, Mallard, Treecreeper and Great Tit. We did spot a lone male Chaffinch in the trees and a number…
Sunday 10 March – Forest of Dean Leader: Nick Page
Thirteen of us started at a closed in, but dry, New Fancy View. Unfortunately, the birds did not play ball. Goshawks were seen before and after our time there. Some Siskins offered good views, as did a pair of Bullfinches on the way back to the cars. Next stop was Cannop Ponds, where many tits and finches provided quite the…
Tuesday 05 March – Forest of Dean Leader: Nick Hawkridge
The day was glorious, sun, no rain and little wind. People arrived, changed and shot up to the viewing platform at New Fancy View. I recall seeing 27 members but many other birders arrived too, who obviously felt the day had potential. Goshawk gave one brief, but good view and a few more of the ‘distant’ sort, Some calling Crossbills,…
Saturday 02 March – Portbury Wharf Leader: Peter Bryant
Unfortunately, this walk had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions (Snow!)
Tuesday 27 February – Castle Combe Leader: Geoff Hardman
Eleven members met for our walk at Castle Combe, reputed to be one of England’s most beautiful villages. After tackling the complexities of the parking app we were able to set off on this lovely walk which led through the village, along footpaths, through wooded areas and open fields, past ponds and along quiet country lanes. From the car park…
Tuesday 20 February – Watercress Farm Leader: Alastair Fraser
On a rare dry day 66 members turned up to find the leader was sporting wellies. The recent rain resulted in a lot of mud. Watercress Farm has rewilding and rewetting projects and the latter appears to be going very well. Before we set off a Red Kite flew over, which was a good start. The group turned into a…
Sunday 18 February – River Exe Coach Trip Leader: Gordon Youdale
The weather for this trip was warm, dry and with a little sunshine, a change from usually expected conditions. The first part of the trip took us on a walk from Exminster to Powderham. Looking across the RSPB marshes we could see many species of wildfowl with Canada and Brent Geese, Wigeon, Shoveler, Pintail, Teal and Lapwing. A Water Rail…
Tuesday 13 February – Pensford Leaders: Alan Craddock and Mike Landen
Thirteen of us met up at Pensford on an overcast morning, although it was quite mild for this time of year. Shortly after the start we heard and then had a good view of a Song Thrush. As we passed through the village, we saw a Collared Dove and a number of House Sparrows. Crossing the fields we found a…
Tuesday 06 February – Northend, Bath Leader: Robert Hargreaves
Fifteen people met at Eagle Road in Northend village on a rather gloomy, windy day. As we set off through the village we heard the hooting Collared Doves. We commenced the long uphill slog to Little Solsbury Hill, to the sound of common small birds. After pausing to view a group of Redwings in distant trees we finally reached the…
Sunday 04 February – Chew Valley Lake Leader: Robin Martin
Eleven members met at Herriotts Bridge on an initially blustery and cloudy day with the weather improving as the walk progressed. Two new members attended their first field meeting and we hope the weather conditions did not put them off attending future meetings. At Herriotts Bridge there was a large roost of gulls including a single Yellow-legged Gull and a…
Tuesday 30 January – Uphill/Walborough AWT. Leader: Colin Hawkins
It was a very cold day with a biting northerly wind when our group of 22 gathered on the beach to scan the shoreline and local area. We soon spotted Shelduck, Dunlin and Oystercatchers with a lone Sanderling, pale silver and white, scurrying along the shoreline with the gulls. When the icy wind became too much we headed back along…
Saturday 27 January – Marshfield. Leader: Nigel Kempson
Ten members turned up for this walk around the Rushmead Lane area of Marshfield. It was a dull, dry and windless day and, perhaps because of this, we could not see any large flocks of birds from the main road. The only taster was a compliant Buzzard on a distant post clearly displaying the diagnostic breast band. Commencing the walk,…
Tuesday 23 January – Shapwick/Ham Wall. Leader: Sue Watson
beyond the carpark but sadly it did not show itself. We found large numbers of Mute Swans, a flock of Lapwings soaring plus Coot and many ducks. Groups of Wigeons and colourful Shovelers, 200 of each and nearly as many smart looking Gadwalls. A variety of other usual duck species were fairly numerous with the noticeable exception of Mallards, where…
Tuesday 16 January – River Avon – Leigh Woods to Ham Green. Leader: Judy Copeland
22 people came together at Abbots Leigh and thanks to beautiful weather we had a lovely morning’s walk, despite the near-freezing temperature. Long-tailed Tits were waiting to greet us at the entrance to the Leigh Court drive and there was, of course, a Buzzard in view on a tree. Magpies were everywhere (highest count 22!) and Jackdaws and Crows much…
Saturday 13 January – Oldbury Power Station. Leader: Pete Hazelwood
16 people met on a chilly grey day. We started our walk through the orchard and soon spotted Fieldfares, adding all the other commonly seen thrushes including Redwing, Song and Mistle Thrushes over time. Along the shore line we saw a variety of waders including Curlew, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank, and a number of ducks including Teal, Wigeon and Shelduck. Three…
Tuesday 09 January – Litton Reservoirs/Hinton Blewitt. Leaders: Sue and John Princ
On a chilly morning 21 birdwatchers set off from Hinton Blewitt. There were plenty of Goldfinches about, with a few Redwings, Greenfinches, and two Chaffinches. As we walked down the steep hill towards Coley we saw Long-tailed Tits and two Goldcrests. We heard, then saw, a Nuthatch. The rivers were running high and fast in the village, and water levels…
Tuesday 02 January – Hengrove Mounds/Manor Woods. Leader: Graham Blacker
Five of us turned up the day storm ‘Gerrit’ hit and did it ever rain! We started with a circular and very muddy walk around the mounds where not a lot was to be seen other than around a dozen Goldfinches to start with a few Herring Gulls and many Black-headed Gulls. Making use of the seating at the Beach…
Monday 01 January – Slimbridge WWT. Leader Di Bunniss
21 members met in the car park of Slimbridge on a dry but overcast day, and the only leading was to the main entrance! Once through, the group always scatter as they head for the various hides. As usual some headed straight for the Holden Tower Hide which has great views over the fields towards the Severn estuary, while others…
Tuesday 26 December -Snuff Mills Leader Nick Hawkridge
As the Song Thrush sang and the Jay foraged, we 14 set off along the usual route. A Moorhen on the river had found a refuge in the middle of the madly rushing water and up the first stretch were Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, the usual Blue and Great Tit all foraging among the trees and never stopping for a moment.…
Tuesday 19 December – Goblin Combe Leader: Alastair Fraser
The heavy overnight rain was still falling as I arrived at Goblin Combe. My hope of a swift return home was confounded when seven other people turned up so I was compelled to lead the walk. We thought we would be lucky to see the Buzzard perched in its usual tree near the car park, but a dark shape appeared,…
Saturday 16 December – Chew Valley Lake Leader: Alan Daniels
Eight members met at Herriotts Bridge on an overcast day, about 10c with a south-westerly breeze. The water was quite high with few if any waders about. 27 species were present on the pool and the lake including four Egyptian Geese, Great White Egret, a Goldeneye and an unusual Tufted Duck with a bright blue stripe across its bill. Moving…
Tuesday 12 December – Saltford Leader: Robert Hargreaves
On an unexpectedly sunny day over 40 walkers met at The Riverside, where the BOC Christmas lunch was to be held. We set off, looking at the very high river level, for our flexible walk. Most took the higher path, affording interesting views and seeing common small birds including two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, four Goldcrest, a Mistle Thrush and seven…
Tuesday 05 December – Chew Valley Leader: Mike Landen
It was a dull, cold day so it was not surprising that just 15 of us arrived at Chew Magna, the new meeting place for this walk. The first part of the walk was quiet with mainly common species including Robin, Blackbird and Blue Tit. Turning off Denny Lane the path widens out. We soon spotted a mixed flock of…
Saturday 02 December – Eastville Park Leader: Rich Scantlebury
Five hardy members met, two of whom were new to the club, myself included. This was my first walk with the BOC. The weather was very cold, still and foggy. Frost laden spider webs were in great abundance throughout the morning. With the weather conditions what they were we had to rely on hearing as well as visual identification. The…
Tuesday 28 November – Lansdown, Bath Leader: Robert Hargreaves
Fourteen people set off from Lansdown P&R for an almost five mile level walk; weather, though gloomy remained dry and still. We set off across the playing field passing the first of over a hundred Common Gulls, and then skirted the racecourse. At the busy roadside we found a small group of Collared Doves and a fine pair of Stonechats.…
Sunday 26 November – Somerset Levels Leader: Nick Page
Six of us met in the RSPB car park for the Club walk. It was well timed, between all the rain and floods and then the cold, allowing us to enjoy a lovely stroll around Ham Wall. A Firecrest was seen right next to car park which didn’t linger until the walk started properly, but we had excellent looks at…
Tuesday 21 November – Hillesley Leader: Alan Craddock
A change of leader; from that advertised, a dull dank day, but 17 wasn’t a bad sized group to squelch our way round the thoughtfully provided route details (thanks Graham). A flight of white doves attracted our notice but were only a distraction from the tail bobbing Stonechat that showed very well. A few Skylarks called as they travelled east…
Sunday 19 November – Uphill and Bleadon Leader: Jane Cumming
Four BOC diehards turned up despite the fact that it was blowing a hooley from the west, so I had to stay and complete the WeBS count instead of going home to warm up by the fire – which is just as well, because the final numbers were pretty good for this much disturbed shoreline. It was hard to count…
Tuesday 14 November – Easton in Gordano Leader: Judy Copeland
Heavy rain was forecast but we were undeterred. Our small group of eight set off and in the first field we quickly spotted a large mixed flock of Goldfinches and Chaffinches, twelve Collared Doves all settled in one tree, two Greenfinches, Blackbird, Crow and Jackdaw. A female Great Spotted Woodpecker was perched high on a tree. An excellent start. Squelching…
Sunday 12 November – Goldcliff Lagoons, Gwent Leader: John Skinner
Four brave souls arrived at the RSPB Newport Wetlands car park on a day planned to be Wetlands first, then Goldcliff. The forecast was dire, and it wasn’t far wrong. Low cloud and rain encouraged us to take good advice and go straight to Goldcliff and the shelter afforded by the hides. But first we had an interesting chat with…
Tuesday 07 November – Between Chew and Blagdon Lakes Leaders; Sue and John Prince
25 birders met at Heron’s Green in fine and sunny weather. The usual Mute Swans, Coots, Canada Geese, Great Crested Grebes, and ducks (Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted, and Pochard) were present. Little Grebe and Cetti’s Warbler called from Heron’s Pool. As we started up Breach Hill a Green Woodpecker called, and later we saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Pied Wagtails,…
Tuesday 31 October – Winscombe Leader: Sue Watson
Despite heavy rain being forecast for the walk when crossing both the fields and up Sandford Hill, we were very lucky to have sunshine until returning back to our cars, when the rain started. The largest number and variety of birds were in the woods on the hill, including Jay, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits, all other ‘makes’ of Tit, Treecreeper and…
Saturday 28 October – Frampton Pools, Gloucestershire Leader: Peter Bryant
A total of 52 species of bird were seen, testimony to the fact that Frampton Pools has a good range of habitats. Starting at Court Lake, eleven members quickly spotted a Great White Egret across the water. Ducks were relatively thin on the ground but Wigeon and Gadwall were seen as well as Tufted Duck and a single Greylag Goose.…
Tuesday 24 October – Wick-Golden Valley Leaders: Geoff and Gill Hardman
A car park filling 27 walkers basked in the autumnal warmth with the calls of Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, and Rook nearly making chatting difficult! A flock of Fieldfares, a Moorhen and a Grey Heron were startled from their foraging as we headed up the valley. No Dipper could be found, but up the path, above the ochre quarry, Goldcrest, Great…
Tuesday 17 October – Pucklechurch Leader: Graham Blacker
18 members met outside HMP Ashfield for this new BOC walk around the lovely fields of Pucklechurch. As we entered the first of many fields we spotted lots of crows as we overlooked the amazing vista towards Lansdown. Proceeding onwards, Goldfinch were recorded along with Greenfinch surveying the scene from atop the trees. Leaving the first couple of fields we…
Sunday 15 October – Cheddar Reservoir Leader: Nick Hawkridge
I arrived early to check that the Drove was indeed under water, so our party of six had to head round the tank! Some Coot were noted, which we later estimated at 600-700 after they’d been pushed together at the western edge by the yacht club safety boats. A solitary Shoveler was found; the other 28 having been flushed off…
Tuesday 10 October – Tickenham Leaders: Jan Pridie and Lois Pryce
18 members met in mild conditions, but misty to properly foggy. The birds at Tickenham village and moors were: Kestrel sleeping in church tower window, Cormorants including a juvenile sitting on one of the new style electricity pylons, a distant Peregrine sitting on another new pylon – confirmed from a photo after the meeting, Little Egret, Grey Heron including a…
Saturday 07 October – Clevedon Leader: Jane Cumming
Five members met in Old Church Road and set off for the harbour, a sixth joining us later. The weather was dry and mild (16-18C) but the westerly wind had a chill. In the harbour we saw the usual gulls and Mallard, plus Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Cormorant and Curlew. There were a pair of Stonechats, a Common Sandpiper,…
Tuesday 03 October – Portbury Wharf Leader: Roger Hawley
Twenty two birders gathered and after an early shower the clouds dispersed and sunny skies were a pleasure. The rail bridge made a good viewpoint over the Gordano Valley and yielded Robin, Great Tit and Chaffinch. At Wharf Lane both Chiffchaff and Collard Dove were seen, and from the first hide a Stonechat, Swallows, Gadwall and Skylark. Further on a…
Saturday 30 September – Steart WWT Leader: Richard Belson
Eight members assembled at the WWT car park. We quickly made our way over to the River Parrett and en route heard Water Rail and Cetti’s Warblers, and enjoyed views of Reed Bunting and Stonechat plus a perched Kestrel. Waders on the edges of the river were in relatively low numbers and distant but Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew were seen…
Tuesday 26 September – Stanton Drew Leader: Alan Craddock
25 members set off from the car park of the Druids Inn and headed swiftly down the road to assemble on the farm track. A good variety of birds immediately made themselves known including Dunnocks, two Collared Doves, a Wren and a Chiffchaff. Moving on, a young Buzzard was calling insistently from its perch on a hedge on the skyline.…
Tuesday 19 September – Hawkesbury Upton Leaders: The Committee
After a lively discussion on who was taking the walk in the place of our absent leader and where exactly the walk went, seven members set out into the constant wind and lightly drizzling rain. After exiting the outskirts of Hawkesbury, we spotted a couple of Pied Wagtails and a solitary Magpie amongst the Carrion Crows at a field boundary,…
Tuesday 12 September – Cheddar Reservoir and Yeo Leader: Mark Watson
The sky was overcast as 16 of us assembled on the reservoir bank to start our walk. On the water were large numbers of Coot, along with Canada Geese, Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebe. Gulls seen were Black-headed, Herring, and Lesser Black-backed. As we walked along the bank skeins of Canada Geese flew in to join…
Saturday 09 September – Chipping Sodbury Common Leader: Mike Jackson
Eleven of us met for a morning walk of the common, but before we got there we spied three warblers feeding on sweet peas in an allotment. Two Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler we decided, although it could have gone the other way such are the similarities of this tricky duo! Birds were notably absent as we followed the fruit…
Tuesday 05 Sept – Puxton Leader: Colin Hawkins
15 members met at Puxton Church of the Holy Saviour on a glorious sunny day. We wandered through the grounds of the 13th century church where one Goldfinch was spotted. We proceeded through to Puxton Lane and across Puxton Moor Nature Reserve. En route we saw two Collared Doves, over 30 Starlings perched on the telegraph wires, about nine Swallows…
Saturday 02 September – Goldcliff Pools, Gwent Leader: Peter Bryant
The weather seemed fair and the walk started with a perched Kestrel and fly-past Marsh Harrier. Three Stonechats were perched on a gate and a pair of Chiffchaffs were flitting in the nearby hedgerow. For most of the morning, there were over a hundred hirundines in flight, mostly House Martins but with a few Swallow. At Curlew Hide, overlooking Monks…
Tuesday 29 August – Hambrook. Leaders: Joyce Donkor and Kate Cashmore
On a cool, overcast day, with some very light misty showers, 26 birders started on the Frome Valley Walkway from the White Horse Inn, after a look from the stone bridge where a Grey Wagtail was seen in the river. At Moorend, 16 Mallards and a Moorhen were swimming in the river. The garden feeders there attracted Blue Tits and…
Tuesday 22 August – East Harptree Woods. Leader: Geoff Harris
19 members joined Geoff in the East Harptree car park, not realising what was in store for them. Our route took us past Smithams Chimney, then downhill across fields. It took some time to safely cross the cattle field but the reward was Spotted Flycatchers. We then went down Harptree Coombe which was difficult going with many fallen trees and…
Sunday 20 August – Blagdon Lake. Leader: Robert Hargreaves
Nine people met at The Lodge at 10.00 on a pleasant, sunny morning. A few early birders had already had a look at the dam and found two Common Sandpiper. We were greeted by Nigel Milbourne, who took us down to the water’s edge to scan around the lake. Sand and House Martins were flying around and we could see…
Tuesday 15 August – Sandford Wood. Leader: Graham Blacker
Despite August being a slow month for birds and Graham warning of steep and possibly muddy paths, 20 members met in the car park of the Railway Inn. Our route took us up into Sandford Wood, then Lyncombe Wood and through the grounds of the Ski Centre (Mendip Activity Centre) where elevenses were enjoyed. Then along tracks to Pylewell and…
Tuesday 08 August – Arlingham. Leader: Alastair Fraser
Our optimistic band of twelve set out in the drizzle, beginning our walk beside drainage ditches at the village edge. Apart from Woodpigeons, not much to see, even on the bird feeders in the gardens. More luck later with a variety of woodland and farmland birds: eight Long-tailed tits, Blue tit, Great tit, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Feral Pigeon, Stock…
Sunday 06 August – Clevedon Pill. Leader: Jane Cumming
There were 15 in the group that gathered on a warm but windy Sunday for this popular walk. We were fortunate that the tide was coming in, bringing the birds into closer view. Common Sandpipers were resting on the lowest edge of the cliff, Oystercatchers were on the shore line and Whinchat and Meadow Pipit on the near shore among…
Tuesday, 01 August – Prior’s Wood, Portbury. Leader: Judy Copeland
Sunshine and warmth – No rain! And 26 people. Jackdaws foraged on the Green, a Collared Dove on a roof and a Herring Gull above. In the wood we heard Great Tit, Wren, Coal Tit, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Robin and Chaffinch. A Goldcrest was quite close on a hanging conifer branch and our first Nuthatch was calling loudly. Several more…
Saturday 29 July – Chew Valley Lake – Leader: Nick Page
Twelve of us met at Herriotts Bridge to look at a very full pool, which is not currently as good for waders as it used to be. There were many Teal and a Little Grebe family among the usual suspects. After a while we managed to pick out the Spotted Redshank that we hoped for and a Great White Egret…
Tuesday 25 July – Woodchester – Leader: Di Bunniss
We gathered in the car park and set off along the downhill path towards the mansion. The woodland was quiet but the display of butterflies was a source of great interest, with the Silver-Washed Fritillary being the star. A Treecreeper was seen, House Martins were circling high above, and Chiffchaff called. Our designated Coffee break at the Boat House was…
Sunday 23 July – Oldbury Power Station – Leader: Di Bunniss
Eight of us met to walk around the lake, lagoons and riverside. The weather was cool and very windy so it was a challenge to find many birds. Two Mute Swans and a few Mallards and Moorhens were on the lake, and Chiffchaff were calling from the trees. Goldfinches were busy feeding in the shrubs by the edge of the…
Tuesday 18 July – Bridgeyate – Leader: Geoff Hardman
19 members met in the Griffin pub car park. A possible Red Kite sighting was discounted as it was before 10:00, also a pair of Ravens. When we got underway we started off with a large and noisy flock of Starlings on the edge of the ‘Vicars’ housing estate. This was followed by some Swifts flying over. We then joined…
Saturday 15 July – Forest of Dean – Leader: Robert Hargreaves
Arriving at Nagshead around 15:30, eleven of us braved the adverse conditions. We spotted House Martin, two Crows, a Chiffchaff and a dung/dor beetle and heard a Song Thrush. It was very wet, but though uncomfortable it did brighten the green of the forest. A brief patch of sun brought out a Chaffinch, Blackcap, Swallows and Goldfinch. At the second…
Tuesday 11 July – Little Sodbury (Picnic Walk) – Leader: Graham Blacker
The threat of rain led to only 15 of us turning up, but, hey, the rain held off all morning for our lovely walk through some wonderful countryside. We sat enthralled at the first Old Fort high point with its 180 degree crisp clear view across the Severn Vale for our coffee stop and three Raven flew past. Birds noted…
Tuesday 04 July – Stockhill Woods Leader: Graham Blacker
Despite the threatening weather 18 optimistic members arrived at Stockhill Woods. Before leaving the car park some eagle-eyed birders had spotted a small flock which included Goldcrest. We then set off over the Mineries in search of Tree Pipit which disappointingly never materialised. We passed two caving clubs (Shepton Mallet CC and the Bristol Exploration Club) and then headed slowly…
Tuesday 27 June – Newport Wetlands and Goldcliff Leader: John Skinner
After the excessive heat of mid-June, a good turn-out of 27 found the Wetlands car park a bit cloudy, cool and draughty, but this did not deter the inevitable Chiffchaff from serenading us. A Green Woodpecker was spotted as we headed from the picnic area towards the estuary, rapidly followed by a Whitethroat singing from an exposed perch. Cetti’s Warbler…
Tuesday 20 June – Portishead Leader: Geoff Harris
27 people met on a hot morning, After great debate over the sighting of a possible Whimbrel on the foreshore, it was finally decided it was an immature Curlew. Also along the shoreline were Black headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, two Lesser Black Backed Gulls with Shelducks and Crows all around. On the Lake were many Mallards, approximately 100 Canada Geese…
Tuesday 13 June 2023 – Wapley Bushes Leader: Alan Daniells
Fourteen members met at the Shire Way entrance. It was sunny and dry, 21-25?C, with a light NE breeze. We crossed the railway bridge and walked through the orchard area, seeing many Meadow Brown butterflies and a Red Admiral. We crossed the main recreational area (Wapley Common) and through the uniformed groups area. In the Western Wood we heard Goldcrest…
Tuesday 06 June – Dolebury Warren Leader – Mark Watson
Twenty one members met outside the Crown, Churchill, on a fine, sunny morning with a bit of a breeze. As we set off a Greenfinch was heard. On our way to crossing the A38 the path descended through a wood we saw and heard Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit and Goldcrest. A short walk uphill to the Iron Age hillfort yielded…
Friday 02 June 2023 – Frampton Pools Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Three members met at the Frampton on Severn car park. Luckily the warm sun was keeping the chill of the NE wind at bay. We walked to Court Lake first, seeing Greylag and Barnacle geese in the meadow. On the lake there were Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan with four cygnets, Greylag with a gosling, Coot and Moorhen.…
Tuesday 30 May 2023 – Felton Common Leader: Melanie Patch
A chilly start in the breeze, as we gathered in the parking area alongside St. Katherine’s Church..Eighteen of us set off under the guidance of Melanie, who as you would expect certainly knew her ‘patch’. Despite the Common being a popular dog walking spot, Skylarks were in abundance, ascending and descending, often to an accompaniment of jet engines, singing their…
Tuesday 23 May – Wavering Down – Leader: Nick Hawkridge
The start up through the woods held Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, with a shout from a few Chiffchaff and the call of Stock Dove, but the prize was a Treecreeper working hard for its family. The path was steep with well-worn and thus slippery stone, until we finally emerged from the trees to see Meadow Pipit, a splendid Linnet…
Friday 19 May – Highnam Wood Leader: Lewis Thomson (RSPB)
18 of us waited in the RSPB car park for the rain to stop. Fifteen minutes after our start time our leader, Lewis, was able to address us in drier conditions. We set out along various paths that showed us the product of the careful management that this reserve benefits from. The principal practice is coppicing and is done in…
Tuesday 16 May – Sand Point – Leader: Nick Hawkridge
Two Whitethroats sang as we climbed the steps, a nearby Blackcap chimed in, as did a distant Chiffchaff. The top was not cold, the wind merely adding a refreshing zephyr to a warm day. Some Shelduck peppered the mud flats, a team of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gull washed at the point, a couple of Swallow rowed past, with another…
Tintern 18 April – Angidy Trail Leader Graham Blacker
The weather forecast was wrong, who knew? An icy wind blew as 18 swiftly bundled up members assembled for a walk around the Angidy Trail. Nuthatches galore called and seemingly invisible Blackcaps sang as we headed out from the cars and started the climb up the hill. The first of many Buzzards was seen. Goldcrests made a brief appearance before…
Sunday 14 May – RSPB Ham Wall – Leader: Giles Morris
There was a healthy turnout of BOC members and birds on today’s walk. On first entering, seven Gadwall swooped in front of us. We unusually saw a Cetti’s Warbler perched out in the open on a pile of twigs. Bitterns boomed five times, three times, twice and flew across the landscape. Hobbies were aplenty flying high with Marsh Harriers, it…
Saturday 13 May – Quantocks, Holford – Leaders: Brian Gibbs and Dave Dawe
We met with the Somerset Ornithological Society at the unearthly hour of 08.15, some of our group were up at 05.00 to arrive in time. There were about five of us from the BOC, and twenty from SOS. The leaders were the excellent Brian Gibbs and David Dawe. The walk was up Hodder’s Combe, Somerton Combe, and up Stert Combe…
Tuesday 09 May – Wains Hill and Clevedon Pill – Leader: Jane Cumming
Twenty or so people walked up over Wains Hill and along Poets’ Walk, stopping to examine the historic “Sugar lookout” and admire the bird’s-eye views south along the Clevedon coast. We noted a selection of standard woodland species, singing and displaying Whitethroats where the terrain opened out to grassland and scrub, and hirundines passing NE along the cliffs. The sluice…
Sunday 07 May – Portland and Weymouth Leader: Jane Cumming
This visit to Portland was designed to coincide with peak Skua passage, but on a fine sunny day the only evidence of migration off the Bill was two Sandwich Terns flying east a long way out and a trickle of Swallows coming in off the sea. However, the more local seabirds put on a fine show with Gannets, Fulmars and…
Tuesday 02 May – Oldbury Power Station – Leader Di Bunniss
On a dry and mild morning 25 members gathered in the car park where one early arrival had spotted a Grey Partridge. We set off through the meadow, to the first lake. There we stopped to watch the Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe. A great splashing in the shallow water was later confirmed as a large pike!…