Field trip reports

Eleven of us arrived at the Speech House car park for this evening meeting to see a few birds flitting in the trees and Woodpigeon calling. On making our way into the forest, the excitement started when we had prolonged views of a Firecrest with two juveniles found by James. Further along there were Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Chaffinch and many Stonechats flying between the path and the trees together with Siskins and Linnets flying over us. Once on the heathland we saw many Linnets, Siskins and a flock of 34 House Martins. During our coffee break, we observed seven ponies walking through the gorse and heard Buzzard and Pheasants calling. We reached Crabtree Hill at about 21:30 and saw a Buzzard land in a tree, and very soon heard two Nightjars churring. Then a male gave us a fabulous show of flying around, landing, then back up and landing again before a female flew up. After a few more churring calls we made our way back down the hill only to see three Highland Cattle with a Wild Boar in the middle before one of the cattle chased it off. Walking back to the cars, James heard the wings of a Woodcock before we were spoilt again by another display in torch light of a Nightjar flying round and round and finally landing out of sight. A fantastic walk was had by all. (Thanks to Caron for leading and also to James for his expertise, his young eyes and ears.) Caron Thornton Trippit

This year the Avon Gorge Peregrines nested on a ledge opposite our usual watch point. There was anew female (with some reports of last year’s female having been seen around Sea Walls early in theseason), the male was possibly the same as last year. They successfully fledged four juveniles (one maleand three females) around 10 June, early for the site. One female was grounded in a storm on 12 Juneand rescued in Leigh Woods. It was released the next day having been checked by a vet and ringed. The birds had not been ringed in the nest as the ledge was a narrow and confined space. We had 207 enthusiastic visitors to the stand on the first weekend with plenty of Peregrine activity. In July we finished at 12:00 each day because of the heatwave and so had fewer visitors, 106. The juveniles spent the July Sunday away from the watch point. The ringed juvenile and another juvenile and two adults were photographed on the BRI chimney on 22 July. Many thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible, and to BOC members who came along to support us. (Gareth Roberts)

On this sunny day, 15 of us met at Tyntesfield for this walk. Setting off from the car park, we were immediately met by a calling Buzzard, Crows and the occasional Woodpigeon flying past. Given the warm weather, early sightings trickled in slowly whilst crossing dry grass fields with the singing of a Nuthatch, Chiffchaff and Wren heard, with unsuspecting Alpaca and Emu in their pens. Things picked up as we followed the Land Yeo, watching Banded Demoiselle and Blue Damselflies zipping by. There we were met by the distinctive song of Yellowhammer from the trees and overhead wires. Swift and Swallow were swooping over a distant barn. As we neared Watercress Farm, Sparrow, Greenfinch and Dunnock sprung up from the vegetation around us before a Little Egret flew up from the ponds nearby, highlighting a Grey Heron, Canada Geese and Mallards that were also beyond the reeds. Our short break to hydrate and refuel at Watercress was accompanied by many butterflies: Meadow Brown and Painted Ladies flitting over the abundant thistle, but the previously reported Quail was, unfortunately, not seen by our group. On our return, Little Grebe and Mute Swan were spotted on the pools, with a lively group of Sand Martin sweeping over the fields to our left. Upon making it back to Tyntesfield, we were greeted yet again by a calling Buzzard overhead. In total 29 species were spotted. Many thanks to Jean for leading this scenic walk and to Graham for the day’s list!Annabelle Lam

Fifteen members met at Berkeley Castle on a warm sunny day for a mainly flat circular route starting and ending along a minor road and then on walking routes and bridleways, some next to channels and the Severn. The terrain was mainly open country with the occasional shading from trees. Our leader gave us some interesting snippets of history starting with the Jesters Tomb in the Churchyard where we got a glimpse of a Goldcrest flitting in a large Atlantic Blue Cedar and then as we passed the castle a Buzzard circled above. After hearing a Reed Warbler in a deep ridge we got a clear view of two Reed Warblers in the reeds as we passed over a channel. After joining the Berkeley/Pill path we heard the wheezing of Greenfinch and warbling Blackcaps. A Kestrel was spotted flying with some prey and it proceeded to land on a far gate and started to feed. There were plenty of butterflies including Marbled White, Small Skipper and Clouded Yellow. Where the channel met the Severn we spotted a Little Egret, Heron, Common Sandpiper and Oystercatchers. Alongside the Severn there was a Shelduck with four small chicks bobbing about in the choppy water. We returned back on a path between two hedgerows and as we reached Berkeley a Red Kite flew overhead bringing the total species seen to 44. Many thanks to Peter for leading the walk Stephen Clarke

Seventeen of us set off from Portbury village in cool blustery conditions which improved as the morning progressed. Immediately there were House Martins over the allotments and from the railway bridge two Buzzards circling in the distance over the Gordano Valley. When we turned off the road a Goldcrest was heard and, in a different tree, two juvenile “crests” were seen, most likely Gold. At the start of the footpath a Sparrowhawk went over and for quite a distance the hedgerows were very quiet. Eventually we started to hear Chiffchaff and then, closer to the nature reserve, Whitethroats, Reed Warbler and Cetti’s Warbler. Along the salt marsh were a number of Skylarks and Reed Buntings. Viewing the pools from the two hides we counted the Lesser Black-backed Gulls (74) but the duck numbers were low, just a few pairs of Tufted Duck, Mallard and Gadwall, the latter being put up by an errant dog which had escaped from its owner. The two adult Lapwings also went up, being decidedly irate with the dog and its owner. There were Swallows and Martins on the walk back up Wharf Lane. Along Sheepway the stragglers in the group witnessed a Kestrel make a successful kill, just 20 feet from a gateway. A good walk with 48 species identified. Thanks to Jane for leading and all who attended. Keith Williams

Thank goodness it was much cooler than the last few weeks for this very enjoyable walk around Ridge Woods. Sixteen of us set off on a well-maintained path through the woods whilst firstly encountering a number of Swifts swooping above, followed by Dunnock, Greenfinch, Stock Dove and Robin. A little further on we heard a very loud call of a Peregrine. Shortly after this our 17th walker appeared whilst we encountered Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch and Goldcrest. Our 18th walker joined us after 30 minutes, taunting us with the fact he had seen a Bullfinch, not six feet away. Proceeding onward, on a not so well-maintained path, we later discovered Barnhill Quarry, where we observed another Peregrine, Buzzard, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Grey Heron, a noisy Green Woodpecker, plus a Kestrel. More Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Blackbird, and Song Thrush among other regulars were seen or heard. As a bonus Large Skipper, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet butterflies appeared, mostly near the quarry. One member suffered an unfortunate fall towards the end. We found 31 bird species in total. Many thanks to Alan for leading a great walk. Graham Blacker

Just don’t mention the heat! I’m sure the nine members who turned up for this one enjoyed a somewhat challenging walk, although they didn’t quite know what was in store for them before we commenced. It all started with cake which we attempted to eat before the walk began; you can imagine how we coped with chocolate cake at 32º C (sorry I mentioned the heat again). After cleaning our hands of well melted chocolate, our route took us past Smithams chimney before crossing a few fields and onto our descent of the coombe, where many fallen trees needed to be climbed over or limboed under, plus a brook to traverse. I was surprised we had only four fallers, including myself. By this time, among the 30 species we had recorded, we encountered Garden and Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Siskin, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Song Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tit, five Red Kites, Buzzard and a soaring Sparrowhawk whilst admiring fantastic views of Chew Valley Lake. After our somewhat successful navigation through the coombe with lunch approaching, we decided to cut the walk short. Luckily we did, as our route back saw 30 Swifts flying, calling and swooping between us, as well as Swallow and Chaffinch before all participants safely returned to their cars. Did I mention how hot it was? Thanks to Caron for helping me lead and for keeping the bird count. (Thanks to Graham for leading) Graham Blacker

Thirteen members met on a sunny and pleasant day at New Passage. We started looking at the coast while the tide was coming in. There were a few Curlew, including a couple of juveniles. There was also a group of Oystercatchers, a good number of Shelducks, including a family group with six small ducklings, and some Pied Wagtail, Linnet, Skylark and Starlings in the salt marsh. Male and female Kestrel were hunting from posts over the saltmarsh. The female looked a little scruffy with a couple of feathers protruding from the chest. She did allow quite a close approach so the group had very good views. Further on we observed the Pilning Wetland pools: there was a single Little Ringed Plover, a single Tufted Duck, Mute Swan and Mallard. In the furthest pool, a single Avocet could be seen with some Lapwings. Walking north east along the path, there were Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers calling from the reed beds. Little Grebes were observed in the pools. Passing further on we were treated to the song of two Sedge Warblers with their typical mimicry including songs from Swallow, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff, that we were able to recognise. Along the track on the eastern border of the wetlands, we saw Redshank and two Ringed Plovers. Returning to our cars, we had a fleeting view of a Kingfisher heading upstream and heard a Water Rail. There was a good list of 53 species, and it was nice to see one younger member joining us. (Many thanks to Robin for leading) Robin Martin

A great start to this one as a dozen Swifts swooped above before we even began. Shortly after our leader took an incorrect route but was promptly redirected, allowing 13 of us to skirt the golf club as we headed towards the coastal path. Early sightings included Woodpigeon, Herring Gull and House Sparrow. Venturing the densely vegetated pathway afforded some clear views of both Wales and the Bristol Channel. The terrain was proving quite difficult as one member soon found out as he tripped and almost fell roly-poly down the embankment. Fortunately, there was no need for the coast guard as it was just a bruised shin and damaged ego. At this point we managed to observe Shelduck and Mallard on the coastline. This was proving to be a fine day but became humid as we began to ascend “cardiac hill.” We were met with a large number of cows that seemed to be blocking our exit but as Caron was first to the top, they soon fled! By this time, we had seen or heard Stock Dove, Pheasant, Blue, Coal, Long-tailed and Great Tit. As we approached the common our sightings were expanded to include Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Upon taking a well-earned rest, we were serenaded by numerous Whitethroats. Few species were seen heading back save for a beautiful Buzzard, which soared just above us. 32 species in total. Thanks to Robin for leading. Graham Blacker

After a fairly hefty downpour the sun decided to make an appearance for us dead on 10am and stayed the rest of the day, making this a lovely walk. The 25 walkers crossed from the car park onto the newly created Yeo Valley walk and kicked off with first hearing and then spotting a beautiful Whitethroat. Continuing on this fine route it wasn’t long before Garden Warbler was heard whistling its melodious call, Swifts and Swallows also made an appearance swooping low over the fields. It was soon after this we noted Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Treecreeper and Mistle and Song Thrush. We came across a section of the footpath which was cordoned off stating “footpath closed”, but knowing us lot we decided to carry on regardless until, alas, half a mile further on – “workmen”! Anyway, a quiet word in the boss’s son’s ear and the threat to change our yoghurt supplier soon did the trick and we continued on our merry way. The coffee break offered many impressive views of both Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, accompanied by bird song from Willow Warbler and Coal Tit. Further on we spotted a Mistle Thrush, Blackbird and Great Spotted Woodpecker on a small football pitch. On the return leg, with the car park in sight, the shout of Spotted Flycatcher was heard and behold, looking into the bushes, the call was correct; a first this year for many of us. Appreciation goes to Beth for discovering this picturesque walk. 29 species in total. Graham Blacker