Field trip reports

Seventeen walkers started off from the White Hart in very muddy conditions. Crows, Rooks, gulls, Great Tit, Blue Tit and a handsome pair of Blackbird were present. Down the lane towards the estuary we enjoyed a Redwing, Fieldfare and Starling spectacular. We proceeded to the water for our coffee stop past the Moorhens mooching round a pond, and on to see 30(ish) Teal bobbing, Pied Wagtails strutting and Black-headed Gulls soaring. The odd Greenfinch darted past and 20 Goldfinch charmed us as they passed. Onwards along the ridge to be greeted by Skylark and an unexpected fly past of around 90 Curlew; Wigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Stonechat and Meadow Pipit were also noted. All in all, it was a lovely day for birding despite the soggy conditions, many thanks to all who attended. A total of 39 species was recorded. (Thanks to Graham for leading) Rach Sharvell-Smith

It was cold and breezy as 15 of us met up in Tanners Lane at the start of a productive walk around Marshfield. A Buzzard perched briefly as we walked up the small lane enjoying views of Skylarks and a solitary Redwing in the field. Up Northfield Lane, very little was seen except for a few Fieldfares and Common Gulls in the horse field. A distant dumpy bird near the farm may have been a Corn Bunting; Chaffinches and Meadow Pipits were flitting about nearby. Things brightened up when we got to Rushmead Lane with several hundred Fieldfares seen alongside Starlings in a distant field. Closer to the road were eight Yellowhammers and (later) two Stonechats; a passing Buzzard put up a flock of Lapwings and two Ravens were also overhead. A hedgerow near the T-junction with Tormarton Road was filled with ‘little brown jobs’ that took some time to sort out. We identified several Redwings, up to 15 Corn Buntings, five Goldfinches, two Dunnocks and a female Reed Bunting. A Red Kite was seen on the route back to the village. 30 species in all. Thanks to Nigel and Sue for leading. Peter Bryant

Seven of us turned up at Ham Wall car park with another member joining us part way. A very wet and windyafternoon but plenty of birds nonetheless, 39 species in total. We headed out to Shapwick Heath NNR where we paid a visit to Tower Hide and then Noah’s Hide where we saw Pintail and plenty of other ducks, alas the American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal which were reportedly hanging around there eluded us! We then came back to RSPB. Ham Wall NNR where the first viewing platform gave us views of Marsh Harrier and Great White Egret, with a good few Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings hunkering down in the rain and windy conditions. We observed the Starling murmuration from the second viewing platform. A good few hundred thousand Starlings came in to roost. We had a wonderful display, although a little bit distant in the main, some were coming right over our heads and we witnessed a Peregrine Falcon picking a Starling off and taking it down for a well-earned supper. As darkness fell, we returned to our cars, very much soaked but happy. Thanks to all who braved the conditions for a good afternoon’s birding. (Thanks to Elaine and Nick for leading.) Elaine Lambert

The weather was cloudy at the start and the rain held off until around midday. This was a combined BOC andYoung Persons field trip in conjunction with Tish from Avon Wildlife Trust. We were delighted to welcome sixyounger persons to join with a few BOC regulars. We started from the entrance on Thingwall Park and scanned the trees and bushes on the way into the park where we saw a single Redwing. There were also singing Song Thrush as we headed to the lake. One of the highlights was to see seven Great Spotted Woodpeckers with close views of them drumming on a large Oak tree. At the lake we had good views of Kingfisher, and it was lovely to see a female Tawny Owl roosting in her nest box. We then headed up a small hill and had excellent views of Goldcrest and a single Firecrest. The rain started to get heavier, so we walked up the river and saw Grey Wagtail and heard Green Woodpecker before returning to where we started. 41 species were seen or heard, and it was good to see the younger persons p icking up some species with their superior vision and hearing! Thanks to Rich for leading and Tish for organising some of the younger contingent. Robin Martin

Our group of 13 birders set out from the car park at Tortworth under skies that seemed less than promising. It was the first time since 2004 that we’d taken this route! Although the weather was milder than usual, heavy clouds threatened rain; fortunately, we only experienced a brief light shower. Despite the conditions, our efforts were rewarded with an impressive list of birds. Winter thrushes were abundant, with multiple flocks of Fieldfares estimated to number over a hundred. Their distinctive “chacker chack chack” calls rang out clearly. Redwings were also present in large numbers, seen hopping among the trees and flying between them. We spotted several Stock Doves in flight—noticeably more direct than Woodpigeon, lacking white markings and sporting dark fringes on their wings. Following our refreshment break along the Little Avon river, we observed a remarkable flock of around 30 Siskins feeding high in an Alder tree by the riverbank. Even more exciting, they were joined by another group of about ten, making it easily the largest gathering of Siskin I have ever witnessed. Birds of prey were scarce, with just a single Buzzard sighted, but our total species count reached 32 – surpassing most expectations at the start. Thank you to Alan for tracking the bird count and to Graham for leading our walk. Graham Bennett

On a day with rain and low visibility seventeen members were met at the RSPB West Sedgemoor Centre by two of the volunteer wardens, Nigel and Elaine Smith. Nigel explained the history and context of the site including its conversion from a proposed carrot farm in the 1970’s into a reserve. This was met with opposition from the local landowners, which unfortunately, continues today albeit to a lesser extent. This is the reason why West Sedgemoor is ‘tours-by-groups’ only and the motive behind the RSPB creating Greylake reserve which is accessed directly off the main road. Following this, we walked the half mile to the former carrot barn which had the hide/viewing platform built into the top left-hand corner. On our way a number of winter thrushes were seen as well as the first of our Marsh Harriers and Cranes were heard calling. Despite the poor visibility the viewing platform afforded us good views of the large number of wildfowl and waders using the reserve as well as two pairs of Cranes, at least two more Marsh Harriers and Roe Deer. There was also an owl box in the barn that was used as a roost by Barn Owls. Nigel opened a pellet and showed us the skulls of voles that had been taken as prey. A number of members were allowed to take pellets home for further analysis. Unfortunately, the poor weather put paid to any ideas of Starling murmurations at Ham Wall but 24 species were seen including c.14,000 Lapwing. Thanks to Gareth for leading and Nigel and Elaine for their expert local knowledge. Jon Angell

Ten dedicated members participated on this lovely walk on a sunny yet chilly morning. After circumnavigating the closed cinema, the group proceeded into the discreet yet attractive Hengrove Mounds, where sightings included several Redwings, a Song Thrush, and two Goldfinches. The Bagot goats were also observed, notable for their distinctive eyes. Upon returning to our vehicles, an eventful drive followed (including two members becoming temporarily lost) to Manor Woods. Here, frost on the ground reduced the muddiness, though surfaces remained slippery. Notable observations at this location included two prominent Jay, a brief sighting of a Nuthatch, additional Redwings, and excellent views of a Raven perched in a tree, vocalising before departing. A smaller contingent of five members then visited Crox Bottom, a rarely frequented site where we followed the aptly named Pigeon-house Stream. Additional species recorded in this area included Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, and Dunnock. 29 species were recorded at the three sites. Thanks to Alan for keeping count (and to Tim for leading). Tim Snowdon

Thirty to thirty-five of us came to the New Year’s Day Slimbridge walk. It was a very cold dry sunny day. Everyone went off in different directions and walks. This was my account of the day: Firstly, a group of us walked on the Estuary Path towards the hides looking over the wetlands where Teal, Pintail and Lapwings were in plenty along with three Curlews and a couple of Redshanks. At the Willow Hide were more Teal, Moorhen, and a variety of small birds on the feeders. Firecrest had been spotted at the Decoy hide where there were fabulous views of two flitting about in the Elder trees. At the Zeiss Hide and Kingfisher Hide were Kingfisher, Crane, and a Bittern camouflaged in the reeds. Here some more BOC members re-joined. Five of us went to the cafe for a needed hot drink and food. I did another loop of the wetlands and asked other members what they had seen. Teresa had seen a rare glimpse of a Water Rail, Olwen reported a Grey Heron swallowing a rat whole. Fieldfare, Redwing, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier were also spotted, as well as a Peregrine that flew over the wetlands and swooped down as the sky immediately filled with 1,000 frightened birds, spectacular to see. I was also drawn to the one American Green Winged Teal in amongst 500 Northen Teal. I’m sure I can say on behalf of everyone a great day was had. Thanks to Di and Graham for leading.Caron Thornton-Trippit

Eighteen keen birders with their various optical paraphernalia met at Snuff Mills car park. It was a gloomy but dry and mild day. We carefully ascended the semi-treacherous path above the river Frome valley, passing the UWE Glenside Campus on the site of the old Glenside Mental Hospital. We quietly passed this, unspotted, towards the Oldbury Estate. Most birds were either hunkered down out of sight or only seen as silhouettes high in the trees. More were heard than seen, and the high pitched sounds of Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests were prominent. There were also several Grey Squirrel dreys and a leucistic Crow among other corvids and various gulls. We passed and admired the work of the College Road allotmenteers before stopping for coffee by a well sculpted tree stump in an old arboretum of specimen trees on the Oldbury estate. We then headed down to Frenchay Bridge to return along the River Frome. Here we passed the weir in spate and enjoyed the beauty of a Kingfisher which repeatedly fished and followed us most of the way back. There was also a Grey Heron, Moorhen and some Mallard. Our final treat was a good view of two busy Treecreepers across the river. A most enjoyable morning. Thanks to Graham and Caron for their leadership and everyone for their company and shared expertise. Bill Alexander

Forty-one members met at The Riverside pub car park on a mostly cloudy, but dry, day. One of many Song Thrushes we heard was singing but could not be seen. A band of Goldfinches was flitting between the trees which were also visited by many Redwings. In a field across the river was a flock of Common and Black-headed Gulls. A Kingfisher made a brief appearance darting across the river towards us and into cover. A cormorant flew down sharply to the river and immediately dived. We then moved on towards the Avon Farm Estate. At the coffee stop a Kestrel hovered over the water treatment works. Back at the river, a Red Kite flew over us and climbed high. The weir had almost disappeared under the flow of water and the riverside moorings were flooded, but this didn’t deter two Moorhens going about their business. As we walked back along the Avon the sun came out and we had second scan for the Little Owl. A Coal Tit was seen first and then, at the far end of the rock face, there was the Little Owl sunning itself on a ledge. Back at the Riverside for Christmas lunch a Heron was spied to take the species count to 40. Many thanks to Robert for leading the walk.Steve Clarke