Field trip reports

Thirteen members met for a very hot and humid walk from the pretty Cotswold village of Hillesley with parties of Swifts darting overhead. The countryside and views were fabulous and very soon after starting our walk we had good views of a Whitethroat sitting on top of an ear of corn. A little further on we came to a stream which we followed and crossed a nice bowed wooden bridge over a lake with Mallards, Mute Swan and Grey Heron. While having our coffee break a Roe Deer appeared nearby but it made a hasty exit when it saw us. From there we could see Green Woodpeckers and Jays in a large tree not far away. We continued on through fields full of grasshoppers or crickets chirping and plenty of butterflies including Peacock, Comma and Small Copper. Three female Pheasants surprised us when they flew in and landed in long grass close to us. A bit further on there was a lot of activity in some tall bushes at the top of a field, mainly Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits. Unfortunately, it was difficult to make out what else, if anything, was there. In all 36 species were noted. Some members were able to watch a Red Kite over the village before the start of the walk, but unfortunately none appeared after the allotted start time to be included in the count. Many thanks to Graham for arranging a lovely walk. Olwen Jones

In hot weather, the first weekend was held at Sea Walls, where the three juveniles had fledged ten days before. They were active throughout the days, apart from a quiet spell on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday morning all three were in a dead tree next to Circular Road. We had 277 visitors to the stand who were delighted to be shown the birds. Many thanks to the volunteers and to club members who turned out to support us. The next weekend will be on 19 and 20 July, at the usual Watch point on Circular Road, near Ladies Mile. Gareth Roberts

Nine of us gathered by the green at Becket Court/St Aldams Drive suitably attired and prepared for a circular walk in disappointingly damp and dull weather. We joined the mostly tree lined and somewhat green section of cycle path that runs along the perimeter of HMP Ashfield. A few squeaks and calls were heard but not a lot seen. Walking alongside a field of corn and following the gently meandering hedgerow we were buzzed by swallows. Almost impossible though for our cameraman of the day to get a worthwhile shot! Linnet, Blue and Great Tits seen and heard, as was a Chiffchaff which could then be seen perched right at the top of a tree ahead, calling out to the whole world it seemed. A Green  Woodpecker teased some of us whilst pleasing others with its presence. A Greenfinch seemed to be leading us along the conifers before we stopped for ‘elevenses’, as the sun emerged. Here a juvenile Swallow was calling incessantly from the telegraph line to be fed. We passed Blue Lodge, the home of Anna Sewell, author of the classic ‘Black Beauty’. No beautiful horses, but on the approach, we encountered a creche of Charolais cows. Now that the sun was coming out from behind the clouds so did the butterflies, moths and other insects. Comma, Ringlet amongst others which included a Bird-Cherry Irmine. Never knew there was such a thing, but that is part of the beauty of a Tuesday Walk, there is always something of interest to see or learn about, or both. Thanks to our leader Graham Blacker and the other seven hardy souls (June!) who made it another successful visit to our precious countryside. 32 species Paul  Tompkins

Ten people attended this meeting, thankfully the evening was cooling after the heat of the day and there was a pleasant breeze. We followed the usual route and were rewarded by lots of bird song and good views of Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Skylark. 23 species seen included Hobby, Stonechat, Linnet, Swallow, Swift. A pleasant evening walk in good company. (Thanks to Sue and Nigel for leading.) Sue Kempson 

Ten of us left via a footpath towards the Mendip Hills, a Goldfinch was on the overhead wires, as we climbed towards Sanford Hill towards the woods. A Chiffchaff was heard and seen. We passed by the entrance of a cave before we came upon a mendip sinkhole. We continued through the wood until we exited at the Mendip activity centre, where we stopped for a coffee break. Continuing we saw what at first we thought was a Green Woodpecker on a distant post with a large beak but no red or green colouring so the group concluded it must be a large Mistle Thrush. We descended along a wooded path past a meadow full of daisies, on the southern slope the village of Star in the distance. We then joined Paywell Lane (a green lane) before taking a footpath across a newly mown hayfield. Our route took us past the sight of a Roman Villa. Then a short steep climb where a pair of Kestrels could be seen and a Buzzard soaring high, also Meadow Brown and Marbled White butterflies were in evidence. We re-entered the Mendip activity centre pausing by their base camp for lunch. A couple of Lesser Black- backed Gulls were flying around. 32 species observed overall Len Sheen 

Only six people turned out for a spot of wader watching on this hot, sunny day but they were rewarded with plenty to look at, including all six regular dabbling ducks and hundreds of shorebirds. As well as Mallard, Gadwall and Shoveler, we saw two drake Teal, an eclipse drake Wigeon shining red amongst the Shelducks in the saltmarsh, and a female Pintail shepherding four youngsters around the reedbeds – surely beyond their usual breeding range. The first pool had pretty much dried up but the others held plenty of water, allowing most of a Dunlin flock to hide behind the reeds accompanying a Curlew Sandpiper which remained hidden from our view all morning, though it had been seen earlier by others. We compared Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, watched the interactions of Redshanks, Lapwings and a dozen Avocets, and successfully logged waterbirds like Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron and Little Egret. When the tide began to drop, all the Black-tailed Godwits, some in lovely summer colours, headed out to the beach and lined up beside the waves, allowing a count of 215. We were surprised to find as many as 35 Black-headed Gulls which presumably bred elsewhere, or not at all. Land-birds included Swallows, Sand Martins, Long-tailed Tits, Linnets, Stonechats, Reed and Cetti’s Warblers. The species total was 53. Thanks to Graham for keeping the score (thanks to Jane for leading). Jane Cumming

16 members assembled at Puxton village green on an overcast and windy morning. We wandered past the church with its impressive leaning tower and across a field of maize. We walked along the road adjacent to fields and ditches, where we heard Reed Warblers; and saw Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrows and Swifts. Upon leaving the road we heard more Reed Warblers (day total was 15) and, entering the moor, heard a Cetti’s Warbler and a Sedge Warbler. At our coffee stop a Buzzard was spotted sitting atop one of the new style, and generally bird unfriendly, pylons. We also heard and saw the first of nine Reed Buntings, and a pair of Stonechats. An impressive fly past by over 25 Long-tailed Tits was witnessed by all. Skylarks were heard here too. We walked back via the river – dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies were seen but not in abundance. Other birds on the list of 36 species included Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Wagtail, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker. A very enjoyable walk – thanks to Gareth for leading. Pam Roberts

Fifteen members met where London Road meets Bury Lane in Wick. Temperature around 14C with a gusty westerly breeze. A few Swift and House Martin were in view. We proceeded along the public footpath through the Cemex works, following roughly the route of Dog Brook to Golden Valley Road. A Mistle Thrush was singing at the top of a Leyland Cypress with a Song Thrush in the background and a Jay was spotted. Although it was dry to start with, it started to rain heavily along this section. We followed the River Boyd to the bridge and then climbed up on through the Golden Valley Nature reserve, with the rain gone after we stopped at the quarry viewpoint for coffee. Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls provided entertainment over the lake. Carrying on to Rock Road, two Red Kite were seen and a flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Rooks were in the fields and a Chaffinch singing. We went back onto the footpath around the quarry works and returned to the start. Along this section we saw a small flock of Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits near the house with the Emus (not added to the list). Along the way, there were good numbers of warblers (Chiffchaff and Blackcap) also a few Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and songs of Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch were heard. Thanks to Geoff Hardman for leading. (Apologies to Geoff and to Alan for the omission of this report from July Club News). Alan Daniells

The day started with messages about the M5 being closed and so, unfortunately only six of us managed to get to Frampton on Severn. From the car park we spotted Greenfinch, Rooks, Carrion Crows, Blackbirds and could hear Chiffchaff singing around us. We made our way along the road turning right towards the Village Green where lots of Barnacle Geese were feeding, with one Oystercatcher. We walked towards Court Lake where over 20 Greylag Geese but no goslings were seen and there were a few Cormorants and lots of Swans. We did see a Great Crested Grebe with three ‘humbug’ chicks. Beautiful! .We also heard Reed Warblers here with only a quick glimpse of one. After walking through the woods where a Cetti’s Warbler and Jay were heard but not seen we did spot a Mistle Thrush standing proud. We came into vast open fields where a female Marsh Harrier put on a great display for us. There were Buzzards and a Red Kite above. Within a few minutes a Sparrowhawk and Hobby were having a confrontation and two Buzzards were gliding through the thermals, just above them. It was all spectacular. .Making our way to the Sailing Lake, on the floating raft was a family of Pied Wagtails and two Common Terns, plenty of gulls and again Cormorants on the banks of the lake. We saw 51 species. The sun was out and a wonderful time was had by us all. Thanks to Mike and Caron for leading and Alan for all the great spotting. Caron Thornton-Trippit

The forecast was for rain and that is what we got! Only five birders walked the 3.75 miles of lanes and fields. However the birds were present. We saw Housemartins nesting and flying around, a few Swifts and Swallows also. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were in double figures singing lustily. On the lakes were Mallard, Moorhens, Mute Swans, and a pair of dabchicks. Also a Cormorant and two Grey Herons in the trees. A Green woodpecker and a Pheasant called. Altogether we saw or heard 35 species, and the beautiful scenery was enjoyed by all. (Thanks to Sue and John for leading). Sue and John Prince