Field trip reports

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 made for the Rushy Hide which looks out over one of the lakes. No matter which starting point was chosen, we were together but in smaller groups and the more experienced were able to point out the birds that were less easy to spot. My ‘Bird of the Day ‘ was the Ruff with its startling white head. The other, a close second, was the Spotted Redshank, which was remarkably difficult to pick out from among the many Common Redshanks but, once identified, suddenly seemed so obviously different. Thanks to the very patient people with scopes who let me see the bird clearly. Most of the geese were spotted including Brent, Barnacle, Snow, Ross’s and White-fronted. A Marsh Harrier was disturbing the hundreds of Golden Plovers and Lapwings, which put on an impressive display as they flew up in huge flocks, circled and settled again. It would be impossible to list all the birds seen but a combination of two lists came to an impressive total of 71 species. (Thanks to Di for leading) Di Bunniss

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. A Nuthatch finally stopped long enough to be seen clearly before slipping away down the far side of his tree trunk. Our first and only winter thrushes in the shape of Redwings flew over as we came to Vassall’s Park and our coffee stop (thanks for the bikkies and sweets). Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker were in the trees as we headed towards the river again but most special was a group of c20 Siskin feeding acrobatically in the Alder tops. Splashing through the mud, back along the river, we only really added the expected Mallard and Grey Wagtail. Sadly, Kingfisher and even Grey Heron were missing. It was all in all a lovely walk (32 species) and the first on a Tuesday for Emily F whom we were most glad to welcome. (Thanks to Nick for leading) Nick Hawkridge

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, flew low over the field before disturbing roosting pigeons as it landed. Birds were hard to find as we trudged up the muddy path. A flock of ten Redwings vacated the trees above us. A couple of Coal Tits and a Goldcrest were among the few sightings. The rain eased off, as forecast, by the coffee break with better luck as we went up the hill towards Wrington Warren; two flocks of Long-tailed Tits and a few Blue and Great Tits. Bullfinch as we walked towards Cleeve Toot, a couple of people heard Tawny Owl. The Avon Wildlife Trust has radically thinned part of the woodland but we still heard Great Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit. The weather cleared as we reached the end of the walk and the birds were back in business. Mistletoe covered trees were full of Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Tits and a Song Thrush. We managed 26 species, the weather notwithstanding. (Thanks to Alastair for leading) Alastair Fraser

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 on to Stratford Hide, we were greeted by a Sparrowhawk which flew over as we approached the hide. A Kingfisher flew by as we entered and we were treated to views of two Marsh Harrier, the sound of Water Rail and large rafts of waterfowl. At Moreton we picked out one female and one 1st year male Scaup amongst a raft of ducks including several Goldeneyes, along with Tufted Duck and Pochard. At Heron’s Green we saw the Egyptian Geese again. There was a Little Grebe and a Little Egret on the pool and we added Wigeon to the list on the lake. A single Common Sandpiper was working its way along the lake edge. We moved to Woodford Lodge in the hope of finding the Firecrest which had been reported, but no such luck. We did manage to find Goldcrest, Bullfinch and Treecreeper along the Recreational Trail between the Lodge and the Dam, with more Goldeneye and a large (c200) raft of Common Gulls at the Dam. . 63 species seen or heard in all. (Thanks to Alan for leading ) Alan Daniels

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 Blackbirds. Joining up with walkers who took “The Shallows” road next to the river gave us Blackcap, a flock of Fieldfares overhead and Cormorants perched high above the water. The group divided again with either the ‘Jolly Sailor’ or Avon Farm routes being chosen. We saw more small flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings, a showy Mistle Thrush, a smart Jay and the usual small birds. As we neared Avon Farm a Red Kite was spotted along with a Linnet. Then it was an easy walk back down the road to our lunch venue, picking up Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a good number of Greenfinches as well as more Goldcrests, Goldfinch and small groups of Tits. Our splendid Christmas lunch gave us an opportunity to thank Graham Blacker for organising our well-attended, popular Tuesday walks. It was good to keep up the Tuesday Group Christmas walk and lunch tradition. Thanks to Mike Landen for arranging it so efficiently; a most enjoyable occasion all round with fine weather and plenty of birds, 36 species altogether. Thanks to Robert for leading and managing to get us back for lunch in a timely fashion! Anne Crowe

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 about 70 Fieldfares and Redwings, a Kestrel was hovering and a Sparrowhawk was in flight. A flock of at least 14 Magpies was noted, followed by a Buzzard. A Grey Wagtail, a flock of about 20 Woodpigeon and a flock of Starlings was seen. A house with garden feeders probably accounted for quite a large number of birds in the surrounding trees that included Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over. Towards the lake more Redwings were seen and a Bullfinch heard. At the Lake, we heard the distinctive, loud call of a Cetti’s Warbler from the reed-bed. A Goldcrest was heard and there were good views of a female Stonechat. On the lake itself good numbers of Coot, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Goosander, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were present. We had good views of both male and female Goldeneye and a Kingfisher flying across the Lake. Some had a fleeting view of a Green Sandpiper. On the return leg, a group of seven Long-tailed Tits and a Treecreeper were seen. It was a pleasant walk with a total of 55 species. Thanks to Alan and Nick for keeping the record of birds.. (Also thanks to Mike for leading) Mike Landen

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 walk began down past Thingwall Park allotments with Carrion Crow, Magpie, Robin and Blue Tits. We reached the Frome Valley Walkway and turned north to find a single Kingfisher, which we were privileged enough to see actually catching fish. For me this was the highlight of the walk., We continued by the river and saw large numbers of Long-tailed Tits feeding in the trees as well as Great Tits. Also, hiding in ivy on a tree trunk was a Goldcrest. Then we turned south towards Eastville Park lake. Here we heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the woods, this sound accompanied us around the frozen lake. On the lake were Mute Swan, Mallard, Black-headed Gulls, Moorhen, Coot, a large flock of Feral Pigeons and a Grey Heron. With the cold becoming more bitter we began our return to the start point. Here we were lucky enough to see a couple of Redwings along with Robin, Pied Wagtail and Jay. We also checked the brook for any signs of Dippers, but today they were elusive. A total of 24 species seen. Thanks to Richard for leading. Chris Holloway

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. Suddenly a big flock of around 500 Golden Plovers appeared in the sky, Peregrine in pursuit. We were treated to a great display. The path through the golf course brought us Goldcrests in the conifers and took us to our coffee stop by the Racecourse stables. Here was a very showy Raven, which turned out to be one of a pair, and many Fieldfares and Redwings enjoying the berries, and a Kestrel. The next leg was through woodland where we had good views of Treecreeper, Nuthatch and other usual suspects. Then it was time to turn back through the muddy fields on the other side of the busy main road, passing a large flock of corvids, mostly Jackdaws. Trees and bushes along the way contained good numbers of Chaffinches with a few Linnet, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits; Skylarks were seen. Nearing the end we were pleased with a flock of Starlings flying up onto the telegraph wires next to us. It had been a rewarding walk, in spite of the Golden Plover not settling down in their usual field for us, with good sized flocks of birds and 37 species altogether. Thanks to Robert our leader. Anne Crowe

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 another later – such a great little bird. We quickly picked up Redwing, Fieldfare and a Great White Egret, before Snipe, grebes and diving ducks at the first viewing platform. The next part along the main path was fantastic with the Firecrest, Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, before we picked up a large flock of finches. There were at least 40 birds, mostly Lesser Redpolls, which gave great views, and some Siskin and Goldfinches. We had seen Marsh Harriers all morning, but as we were heading back, we saw at least seven in the air together – such a great sight. On the way we saw the flock of finches again – the Redpoll were so quiet that they really took some spotting. As we arrived back to the first viewing platform, a Glossy Ibis decided to drop in – a lovely end to a great walk. A total of 58 species was seen. Thanks to those that came along – lots of great company amongst the excellent birds (and thanks to Nick for leading). Nick Page

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 across the fields and couple of cock Pheasants strutted their stuff. Many winter thrushes flew over but not in any particular direction, with scope work required to count and check ID. As we drank our coffee a trio of Stock Doves winged over and our displaced leader appeared to wish us well before he departed for home. The first pond contained a nice Little Grebe, a clucking Moorhen, some Mallards, three white ducks and a beautiful ‘small’ greylag shaped goose. Up the hill a nice stand of conifer, Ash, and Alder contained Goldfinch, Redwing and a good number of Siskin. We crossed the stream, continuing uphill; and onto the Cotswold Way, where, not far on, someone spotted a Treecreeper, which was accompanied by Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch – a fine collection. More winter thrushes continued to pass through as we headed home, with a final Great Spotted Woodpecker seeing us back to the cars. Many thanks also to the stand in leader, Alan. Nick Hawkridge