Field trip reports

Lots of heavy showers and strong winds had been forecast to begin at various times from eleven o’clock onwards on this bright spring morning, but, undaunted, 25 members turned up. And the reward was lots of spring sunshine, many flowers in bloom including bluebells, plenty of birdsong and a total of 31 species seen, though not all by the whole group. This was a walk of mixed habitats – grassy areas, woods, streams, some quiet roads and bridges to lean over, even a motorway bridge! Chiffchaffs seemed to be everywhere, both seen and heard but only one Willow Warbler was recorded. Four Great Spotted Woodpecker and three Green Woodpecker were seen or heard, as well as plenty of Goldfinch and Coal, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits. The crow family was well represented with Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow. Three Sparrowhawks and three Buzzards were also noted on parts of the walk where we were out of the woods. Much peering over a bridge failed to come up with a Kingfisher but a Grey Wagtail and five Mallards were spotted. The group who were last to return to the cars also saw a Grey Heron and two Swallows. Many thanks to our leaders – for leading and making some adjustments to avoid the worst of the mud! Nancy Barrett

In glorious sunshine, two Roe Deer were spotted from the carpark before 29 of us set off through Bickley Wood with its fabulous display of Wood Anemones, Lesser Celandine and the first Bluebells. We soon had good sightings of Blackcap, Nuthatch, Treecreepers and Goldcrest. The trees, still in bud, allowed further good views of Coal Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and on emerging from the woods, Bullfinch. On the further bank of the River Avon, the heronry displayed at least 24 Herons with ten active nests, some containing chicks. Thirty-six bird species were seen in total, as well as five species of butterfly brought out by the warm sunshine. Thanks to Luke for the delicious flapjacks. (Thanks also to Karen, Jean and Jenny for leading) Karen Birmingham

This new walk around Inglestone Common yielded 37 species which given the subdued weather and in-between season, was a fair count. 13 of us set off from Lower Woods car park to make our way to the Common amid the continuous song of endless Chiffchaff. In the woodland Pied Wagtail, Nuthatch, Song Thrush and Treecreeper all made their presence known. The wooded edge of the common produced Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch and a singing Blackcap. A Buzzard soared, five Skylarks interacted together, and a loose group of Greenfinches were either singing or feeding in the scrub. 21 Starlings were very active at the cottage gardens where House Sparrows were also noted. The original Buzzard, noted to have missing wing and tail feathers, joined three others to soar over Lance Coppice before one of them proceeded to display, climbing high before stooping, only to repeat this roller-coaster ride several times over – perhaps a young male demonstrating his intent for next Spring? At the cottage bird feeder two Coal Tits showed well before a Marsh Tit was betrayed by its call at the edge of Lower Woods. Walking back to the cars one of our group caught a brief sight of two Siskins moving through the tree tops. Thanks to Alan for keeping the species list, to all for being such good company, and to Mike for leading. Mike Jackson

In gale force winds nine sturdy members met at the Brean cafe. Before setting off up the steep steps we managed to pick out a couple of gull species along with a noisy Cetti’s Warbler then, making our way along the road past the bird gardens ignoring their exotic calls, we stopped frequently to identify various birds calling from the brambles. We eventually made it to the top, where we noted Mallard, plus c.50 Meadow Pipits along with a couple of Stonechat. We were told Chough had been seen the previous week but we were unable to locate any. As the wind picked up even more we headed on up the steep slope. Once atop the Down a few more Meadow Pipit flew past. We admired the 360 degree view in what visibility we had, picking out Weston-super-Mare, Uphill, Cardiff, Hinckley Point and the Quantocks, and of course Steepholm and Flatholm. We soon reached the end of the Down where the fort was built in the 1870s to protect the area from a perceived attack from the French Navy. We sat for our elevenses and soaked up the lovely view of the sea still seeing plenty of birds fly past. A quick look around the fort was undertaken before heading back along the north path and back down the old military road spotting Wheatear (our first this year) Raven, Chaffinch, Kestrel, Shelduck and a Little Egret. Back at the cars we agreed what a lovely day we’d had despite the weather, with good company and good scenery, and a total of 26 species seen. (Thanks to Graham for leading) Graham Blacker

22 members set off along a footpath past the allotments to enter a wide field. On the distant church spire was a Peregrine Falcon, difficult to pick out with binoculars but clearly seen through Alan’s scope. A Green Woodpecker called and Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch and Jay were heard or seen. The path led through woodland where Nuthatch and Coal Tit were added to the list. In the next field were Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tits, and Jay with Chiffchaff singing loudly. At the lake area were Cormorants perched high in the trees above, and on the lake were Mallards, Canada Geese, Coot, Moorhen and Mute Swans which were nesting on the island. A Redwing was seen among the ivy on a tree, feasting on the berries. Our coffee break at this point was interrupted by a sudden and heavy downpour, so the few with full waterproofs had made the right choice! Once the downpour had ceased we walked along the main path hoping to see the Dipper without any luck, though Grey Wagtails were seen. At Stoke Park were more Chiffchaff and a Little Grebe was heard calling. From the trees came the wheezing call of Greenfinch and the more melodious sound of the Song Thrush. A Buzzard soared overhead. 39 species were counted. Thanks to Alan for keeping the bird list and Richard Scantlebury for leading us. Di Bunnis

The forecast encouraged 20 of us to sally forth and we were not disappointed. The morning was sunnier than predicted and almost warm! Starting across the cricket pitch we spotted Goldfinch and Chaffinch, a Raven called and was later seen. A Bullfinch and several wheezing Greenfinch added to the score. Robins were regaling us everywhere. Walking along past Tockington Manor School a Mistle Thrush perched obligingly in mistletoe. About 20 Fieldfares were spotted huddled against the wind in a tall oak. Numerous Stock Doves flew and called, as did Corvids on the fields. Skylarks called and fluttered above, heralding summer. Buzzards soared lazily overhead, and at coffee time in the sunshine we had a flypast by a red-tailed bumblebee. Challenged to detect birds in the ancient woodland of Sheepcombe Brake, sharp eyes and ears detected Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Nuthatch, Blackbird, both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, and finally Treecreeper. Also seen were Hairy Curtain Crust and Velvet Shanks fungi (thank you Jean!). 29 species of birds. (Thanks to Sue for leading) Sue Black

A group of eleven set out from the RSPB Nagshead visitor centre to Cannop Ponds and back, a five mile circuit. We walked through mixed terrain of new and old woodland, quarries, brooks and ponds, using a range of techniques to traverse fallen trees and muddy banks. The weather was kind to us, with plenty of sunshine; the predicted late afternoon rain held off. As we climbed through the woods on the Nagshead section of the walk we saw Goldcrest and a Firecrest, as well as Nuthatch, and a Treecreeper. Looking out across the valley a Buzzard soared and then perched on a tree in plain view. We descended to Cannop Ponds where we ate lunch watching the abundance of waterfowl and at least three previously elusive Siskin which descended on the feeding stations giving close up views. We saw Goosander, Wigeon, Mandarin, Tufted Duck, and Little Grebe. An elusive Dipper popped in and out of view in the stream between the ponds. A Sparrowhawk soared overhead and in the far distance we caught sight of another bird of prey – was it the Goshawk we’d been hoping to spot all day? A hastily convened panel of experts agreed it was. In all, we saw 41 species. A huge thanks to Jane Cumming for a full list of sightings and to Robert Hargreaves for leading. David Gunnell

22 people assembled at the farmyard on a surprisingly clement day given the doom laden forecast. A Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Coal Tit visited the nearby feeders whilst Philippa gave a short talk on the set up and ethos of the farm. Then we set off into the fields where Chaffinch, Greenfinch and eventually Yellowhammers were spotted amongst the tops of the trees along the field boundaries. Moving further on we were advised to keep to the edges of the track as Philippa had spread seed along the middle for the birds, and Chaffinch (c150), Redwing, Linnet, Goldfinch and a Robin were taking advantage. As we carried on, a pair of Red Kite flew over us and circled off. Whilst we were having coffee, a Green Woodpecker was heard and a Kestrel and a Grey Heron put in appearances in the trees by the Chew. Shortly after a Buzzard replaced the Heron at the top of a dead tree and sat there with wings outstretched, presumably drying them – an amazing sight. We then headed down the hill and along the road to Compton Dando sewage works where two Goldcrest, two Dunnock, a Chiffchaff, a Robin and a Wren were in attendance but only the first arrivers saw the Hume’s Leaf Warbler which then went to ground in the large bramble bush. Finally we plodded back up the hill on the road to the farm. Thanks to Philippa for leading. 38 species seen in total. Alan Craddock

Six members gathered on Sheepway for this morning walk, with another joining us part way around. A Song Thrush was singing as we assembled and was soon joined by both Goldfinch and Greenfinch. As we set off down Sheepway Lane a pair of Bullfinches moved through the hedges ahead of us, though only the female showed clearly. An owl box in a neighbouring field attracted attention, not least for the pair of Stock Doves that were checking it out as a potential nest site. A tree full of Woodpigeons behind the box gave a good size and plumage comparison. Further down the track a Jay moved through the woods next to the dock car pound and then a Great Spotted Woodpecker gave excellent views in the dead elms. The fields at the end of the lane contained a flock of Pied Wagtails and panicky Field (?) Vole which was scuttling around in the open. An obliging Stonechat also gave good views before we moved on through to the seawall. The salt marsh contained a number of Canada Geese, with Shelduck and Curlew visible on the mud beyond. As we approached the reserve a small pair of geese passed rapidly overhead flying north, their big white wing panels identifying them as Egyptian Geese. From the hides we were able to see a good selection of wildfowl with Wigeon in the greatest numbers. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard singing and a very close Chiffchaff was foraging in the bramble by the hide. Having seen two Kestrels on the old pylons, there was some discussion about the suitability of the new cylindrical pylons for perching raptors. The question was answered minutes later when one of the birds moved to a new pylon, finding a small peg protruding from the crossbar on which to settle. An enjoyable morning in pleasant company with 46 species seen. (Thanks to Giles for leading) Giles Morris

30 birders (including five new members) met at New Fancy View on a drizzly morning, where we hoped to see Goshawk and/or Crossbill, unfortunately, neither were seen. We did see a couple of Bullfinch and Song Thrush before we split into two groups, one of which visited RSPB Nags Head the other continuing with the original itinerary. Stopping at Speech House for our coffee break we managed to see numerous Blue and Great Tits on a feeder along with a couple of Nuthatch and Song Thrush. Moving on to Cannop Ponds, we were treated to a large group of c20 Chaffinch, seven Nuthatch, lots of Robin and three Grey Wagtails feeding on mealworm which a kindly lady had dropped for them. Continuing onto the top pond we saw four Long-tailed Tits at very close range, bathing and making a huge fuss in a small stream. Carrying on we were greeted by 25 Mandarin Duck in the company of c50 Mallard, seven Tufted Duck, four Coot, two Canada Geese, four Greylag Geese, six Goosander and two Little Grebes along with the usual suspects. (The breakaway group also saw three Hawfinches, Greenfinch, Jay, Treecreeper and Siskin. Five Wild Boar were also spotted with a scope along with at least five stripey piglets) All in all, both groups spotted a total of 35 species in what turned out to be a wonderful day. (Thanks to Graham for leading). Graham Blacker