Field trip reports

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 crocodile of birders which over the morning recorded 41 species. Apart from the Red Kite, the group also saw Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Redwing and Fieldfare were spotted along with Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Jay. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen and a Green Woodpecker that merged with the grass and was very difficult to see. Of the smaller species there were Linnet, Bullfinch and Siskin but, sadly, no Yellowhammer. Many thanks to Alastair for leading this very popular and interesting walk. I’m informed the 66 birders was a record attendance for the BOC. Beth Yates

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 ran along one of the road ditches. In the wet fields there were good numbers of Curlews, with Oystercatchers feeding, the hedges along the roads gave us Goldfinch, Siskin, Goldcrest, a Cetti’s Warbler singing and Chiffchaff in full song. Skylarks were singing overhead as we made our way down the canal towpath to the Turf Hotel, where we took time to look out over the River Exe to Topsham. This is where the majority of waders could be seen, large numbers of Avocet, Dunlin, Knot, Golden and Grey Plover, Bar-tailed and Blacktailed Godwits, Lapwing, also a Greenshank and seven Red-breasted Mergansers. As we walked along the footpath towards Powderham Church to meet up with the coach, in a field with sheep we could see many Cattle Egret (possibly 30) and also 20 Little Egret. This first part of the walk produced 62 species. Moving on to Dawlish Warren we first took a look at the sea from the lifeguard station, here we managed to see Shag, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe and Gannets but no divers. A few decided to take a walk up the beach to see what else we could find, the best being an Eider Duck resting on one of the sand banks. As we walked back towards the coach we had a look around the lake and nature reserve area near the visitors’ centre where we saw Greenfinch, Stonechat, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest and Goldfinch with good views of two Cirl Buntings finishing the day off nicely. This part of the walk produced 28 species. (Thanks to Judy for organising the trip and Gordon for leading) Gordon Youdale

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 Dunnock, some Canada Geese as well as Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Approaching a pond, we could hear the sound of Teal and eventually everyone got reasonable views of at least some of the seven birds. At the first very muddy section which we all negotiated successfully we then added Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Coal Tit to our list. We noticed some activity at the far side of a large field and estimated that there were about 70 Redwings feeding on the ground. There was also a single Fieldfare. We entered Lord’s Wood and saw a Raven, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Buzzard and heard a Wren. Further on there was a flock of about 35 Linnets and a Pied/White Wagtail closely followed by a Grey Wagtail. A couple of Greenfinches and a Mistle Thrush were seen. We had a nice view of a Green Woodpecker and as we approached Publow we had about 35 Siskins feeding in a conifer. This was probably the highlight as they looked quite spectacular as they flew in a tightly bunched flock. This was a really enjoyable walk. We had a creditable total of 43 species. Thanks to Alan and Mike for co-leading and to Nick Hawkridge and Alan Daniells for the species list. Mike Landen

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 top to be greeted by singing Skylarks; two obligingly dropped onto grass close by, we could see their identifying features. We were treated to wonderful views across Bath and beyond. Heading down the other side we found shelter for our coffee stop; then on down to a gateway – much improved but still very muddy. Ever downward alongside hedgerows, down steep steps brought us to Chilcombe Bottom. Hedges here brought more Robins, Dunnocks and a small band of Long-tailed Tits; one Song Thrush, then another sang out across the valley. We reached a small wetland reserve; pretty boggy! The usual two Moorhens emerged from the reeds on the pool. Taking the slightly longer route back near a stream we felt the walk had not been full of birds, but as we arrived at the village suddenly the trees were full of finches, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Goldfinch, a lovely sight. The walk, notable for its wonderful views, had given us 24 species and good aerobic exercise. Thanks to our leader Robert. Anne Crowe

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 brief view of a Mediterranean Gull that flew off when the roost was disturbed. There were a few Pintails, four Great White Egrets and a Red Kite. The group then moved to Stratford Hide and Moreton Point. Highlights included two female Scaup, seven Goldeneye, two female Marsh Harriers hunting over the reeds and a fly-by Sparrowhawk. After a brief visit to Herons Green, we finished at Woodford Lodge and walked down to the dam. The highlight here was a stunning male Bullfinch calling from the trees. In total we observed 51 species which was a reasonable list for such a blustery day. (Thanks to Robin for leading) Robin Martin

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 the road and took the path past the yacht club where we heard and saw Dunnock and Robin singing. From the hill we scanned the flatlands below to see over 30 swans, with one egret among them. More exciting was the appearance of two Peregrine Falcons skimming low over the grass and resting on the distant fence posts. Our path wound past a field of stubble where we watched a flock of very busy Chaffinches, some Reed Buntings among them. A flock of Fieldfares and Redwings flew over and at the far end a flock of more than 500 Lapwings took to the sky in a fantastic display. On our return path we kept closer to the creek and saw a few Skylarks soaring upwards, Stonechat perching on the reeds, Teal and Redshank in the water, Meadow Pipits in the field and a Rock Pipit on the bank. On reaching the cars a Raven flew over with its honking call. An excellent walk with a total of 46 species recorded by Alan. (Thanks to Colin for leading.) Di Bunniss

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, we immediately had good views of three Corn Buntings which were a first UK tick for some members. The Yellowhammers and the winter thrushes were not so obliging, giving only distant views that really needed a scope for 100% identification. In general, the bird numbers increased the further we went down Rushmead Lane and we spent some time around the wetter area at the far end. The final list was for 32 species and my thanks go to Alan Daniels for keeping the tally. (Thanks to Nigel for leading) Nigel Kempson

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 only ten were seen. There was a single Grey Heron, two Great Egrets, no Little Egrets but we had a brief view of Snipe flying over and heard a Water Rail. A mixed flock of Tits followed our progress along the path, apparently hoping for food. A couple of very confiding Great Tits tried to persuade us by using the outer twigs of bushes closest to us, pointedly “chatting” to us! Three Robins singing in a bush on the edge of the path, sat unusually close to each other. Six Buzzards were also seen. On the Shapwick Heath Reserve it was good to hear Bullfinch, Cetti’s Warbler and to have an amazing seven Marsh Harriers in the air at the same time, near Tower Hide, before thousands of Starlings came in. The Starlings were however, distant, at the furthest point of the reserve, with no great murmurations this time. A total of 46 species. (Thanks to Sue for leading).Sue Watson

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 in evidence. Most of the birds were found once we had walked through Leigh Woods and arrived at the river. Our first Common Sandpiper was not far away on the mud, and several more were seen. As the tide started dropping, lines of Redshanks flew upriver calling, a lovely sound. Surprising were a flock of 31 Dunlin wheeling over the river in the sunshine and a pair of Wigeons; neither are often seen upriver. A Sparrowhawk was chasing a Raven, a Green Woodpecker was seen in a field, a Curlew flew over, some people saw Snipe emerging from the rushes and Pied Wagtails fluttered around. Along the bank on the far side were six resting Herons, strategically placed at a distance from each other. On Ham Green lake were Mallard, Moorhens and a Cormorant, with a Song Thrush up in the tree beside us. Back towards the cars we added House Sparrows in the hedges. 42 species. (Thanks to Judy for leading.) Judy Copeland

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 different pipit species were present: Rock and Meadow Pipit,, and significantly a Water Pipit on the saltmarsh near the yacht club. The highlight of the walk for me was seeing a Black Redstart as it posed beautifully for us in full view. There were also very good views of male and female Reed Buntings. Away from the estuary we encountered plenty of other birds of which my favourites were Snipe, Water Rail (heard), Bullfinch, Greenfinch, and a Skylark singing. At the end of the walk we watched a male and female Peregrine interacting with each other on a pylon near the car park. 52 species recorded. (Thanks to Peter for leading) Lynda Moysey