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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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. … Read more
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 … Read more
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” … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
