Field trip reports

Mud, glorious mud! We saw quite a bit of it and some areas were a challenge to negotiate. The walk started from the Fox Inn, leading past the church and across fields and areas of uncultivated rough pasture. Plenty of bird life was visible including Redwing, Fieldfare, flocks of Goldfinches and Blue Tit. We squelched along to reach a wooded area for our coffee break. Passing Berwick Lodge three Shovelers took flight from the pond area and Teal were heard calling. We then crossed the M5 via a small footbridge. Along the route we saw Goldcrest, Redwing, Fieldfare, and heard a Green Woodpecker call. At one point, nearing Hallen, Marsh Tit were heard calling but we couldn’t see them among the trees. We followed the Spanorium Skyway route which led under the M5, then back over to rejoin the route at Berwick Lodge and thus back to the start. Thanks to Graham for leading. Di Bunniss

The forecast was for sunshine and showers throughout the day. Not ideal, but certainly good enough weather for a visit to the fabulous Westhay. So, eleven people met in the car park and ventured into the reserve. At the first hide, we had bright sunshine with dramatic grey clouds giving a beautiful light. This nicely showed the plumages of the Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Shoveler. The trees by the paths yielded Tits and Goldcrest, with Cetti’s Warblers and Water Rail calling from deep cover. We reached the Tower Hide just in time to shelter from a downpour. A solitary Snipe zig-zagged away, a male Marsh Harrier flew across the reeds, a couple of distant Mute Swans impersonated Egrets, an actual Great White Egret made a brief appearance, and we had a fleeting glimpse of a Water Rail darting across a gap in the reeds. Many of the birds seemed to be sheltering out of sight, but we were able to practise the useful skill of identifying ducks in flight. The rain eased and we headed off to the further areas of the reserve. The large lagoons held good numbers of ducks, Canada Geese and a couple of Greylags, plus stunning male and female Goosander. In total, 33 species were seen on the walk. Thanks to Jenny for leading the walk, to Alan for recording the bird count, and to all present for their great company in rather damp conditions. Tim Fell

Eight intrepid walkers, appropriately suited and booted for the foul weather, met at the church. Our route down to Ripple Effect (formerly Send-a-Cow) was quiet for birds except for a fine flock of Goldfinch; similarly quiet along the wooded lane and the more open track to the waterfall. Maybe the persistent rain had something to do with it. The waterfall was gushing down with no sign of the usual Grey Wagtail. The first up to the lake had the only glimpse of a Kingfisher, and another the only Grey Heron. Top Lake gave us more water birds. Sheltering in the pavilion we had a chance to admire the Teal, tinkling away noisily, a Tufted Duck, two Little Grebe, and spot the four nests of last year’s heronry. Back into the wet, over the bridge and up through the woods we were pleased to spot Nuthatch, lots of Tits, hear a Chiffchaff and get a count of 100 Mallard. We retraced our steps to the lake to give more shelter then turned up into the university. Coming out of the wooded area a Green Woodpecker flew across the lake while a few of us at the rear were excited to find a group of Siskins high in the treetops. Our return via the university drive and muddy fields took us to the far end of the village where we had Chaffinches and Tits attracted to garden feeders, an obliging Kestrel, a Buzzard, and a Stonechat fleetingly perched in the horse fields. Grateful for the road underfoot we walked back to the church. In spite of the poor weather it had been an enjoyable walk with 38 species altogether. Thanks to Robert for leading. Anne Crowe

A group of approximately 25 met in the carpark for the traditional New Year visit to Slimbridge. We were fortunate with the weather, which stayed dry for the main part of the day. As we met up we were already seeing large flocks of Lapwing circling overhead, with their particular ‘floppy wing’ style, and flocks of Greylag Geese and Golden Plovers flying past heading for the lakes. Once on site most of the group headed for the northern hides, starting with the Peng Hide, where a Scaup was rumoured to be lurking among the Tufted Ducks. Here were many Bewick swans, some in family groups. After discussions about identifying Scaup we wandered between the hides, having terrific views over the lakes and marshes, where distant cranes were feeding. Golden Plovers and Lapwings were seen in their hundreds, Snipe hiding among the reeds and Ruff feeding along the water edges, among the Redshank, Godwits, Dunlin, Wigeon and Teal. From the Estuary Tower were excellent views of the Barnacle Geese, one Ross’s Goose and one Snow Goose. A distant Peregrine was settled on a tree stump. Each hide was sure to have a few club members inside, so always someone to share information, sightings and a chance to peer through a ‘scope. Hours later, the Scaup was still a subject of much debate and interest. Over 50 species were recorded. Thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable visit. Di Bunniss

Fourteen members wishing to undo the effects of too much Christmas food set out for Portbury Wharf on a dull and mild day. The railway bridge is a good viewing point and we had distant views of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Redwings. In Wharf Lane Goldcrest, Chaffinch and Goldfinch were seen, as were the new pylons being erected. From the first hide a pair of Gadwall showed. As usual the second hide provided the best views, with Cormorant, Shelduck, Widgeon, Stonechat, Lapwing, Redshank and Teal. The Tower hide overlooking the Wharf was closed for structural reasons so the embankment was the place to set up the scopes and survey the salt marsh with Canada Geese, Curlew, Linnet and one of our sharp eyed observers saw a long distant view of Common Sandpipers at Portishead Pill. At the end of the embankment is a new well constructed timber bridge that makes it much easier to cross the ditch. The long drove gave us Green Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and Jay to make a total of 49. The walk finished just before the rain started. (Thanks to Roger for leading) Roger Hawley

What a lovely day for the last walk before Christmas. We trod the usual path up the south side of the River Frome. The first stretch of woodland was nearly silent but with plenty of tits and Goldcrest to be seen. The rear half of the 15 walkers managed to see Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker and caught up the front half who were onto a couple of Nuthatch and a flighty Jay. Two treats at the coffee stop. Firstly thanks for the lovely mince pies and secondly thanks to the Jay for dive bombing a Sparrowhawk causing it to flee from its conifer right over our heads. It did however perch nearby so its pictures could be taken. Down again to the river at Frenchay Bridge where, upriver, we saw a Kingfisher, flitting from one low slung perch to another, hunting for its lunch. Heading back past the oxbow, a few Mallard and Moorhen braved the torrent and another Kingfisher was particularly obliging by coming over to our side of the river to show off her finery – much to the delight of the family who had stopped to watch. What special sight these birds must have to see into such turgid depths. Back to the cars with 30 species seen and a three quid’s worth of parking well spent. (Thanks to Nick for leading) Nick Hawkridge

An exceptionally rich walk round a still but very cold Oldbury Power Station ended with 60 bird species seen. 14 people met at 08.30 – early enough for the sun to be rising as we travelled there; and many eyes found many birds, including Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and a handsome male Pintail (the latter ducks presumably driven from their usual currently frozen lakes).There was also Lapwing, Curlew, Grey Plover, a single Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, over 1000 Dunlin, Redshank, Snipe, a Woodcock flushed from a grassy bank in Lagoon 2, Common Gull, Cormorant, Heron, a single Cattle Egret flying over, and extraordinarily – two Mute Swans who had made and maintained a circular ice free area in the frozen lake. Raptors and corvids included a Buzzard, two Kestrel, two Sparrowhawk, two Peregrine, two Raven and five Rook. Smaller birds seen included Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Starling flocks, a Mistle Thrush, ten Song Thrush (eight on the salt marsh along the shore – looking desperate our leader thought!), Redwing and Fieldfare, Meadow Pipit, Linnet flocks, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting – and for those who love Yellowhammers, a flock of at least 17 in the salt marsh and adjacent hedgerow by Thornbury Sailing Club south of the power station. We also saw two Hares tucked in like small boulders on open meadow, a Fox snoozing into a south facing bank just above the lake, and most amazingly – at least three Common Dolphins hunting up the Severn with gulls circling above. Thanks to Pete for leading. Lois Pryce

Ten intrepid and initially very cold members set off from the village hall car park. A quick trip across the main road for a peek over the bridges proved fruitless, unfortunately, so we pressed on to the Common where we saw floppy flights of Lapwings heading west. A Green Woodpecker gave us an undulating fly-past followed by the first Sparrowhawk of the day. Plenty of Redwings about and a Goldcrest gave us a brief show as we passed through a copse. Shortly after this a second Sparrowhawk was seen which was being pursued by a Carrion Crow. A flock of Chaffinches were raiding a field of stubble along the hedgerow ahead of us. On to Lords Wood for a coffee break where a Nuthatch was heard but not seen. Approaching Nutgrove Farm, we were lucky enough to see a large flock of Fieldfares in the field sloping away to our left and ahead of us many Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Redwings whizzed between the trees and the ground. Two Yellowhammers made a brief appearance in the hedge behind us. As we passed the farm we disturbed a couple of Ravens who were taking a not disinterested view of some chicken coops. Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails rounded off our trip along with the languid flight of a Little Egret. 42 species in total. Thanks to Mike for co-leading, Alan C for leading and Alan Daniells for the records. Alan Craddock

On a dull day 36 walkers set off from The Riverside, where the BOC Christmas lunch was to be held. Shortly after starting a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen, a Mistle Thrush called to show itself, a Grey Heron looked attentive on the river bank and a Sparrowhawk swished by. A Cormorant perched high on a tree. Another birder told us the Little Owl was showing on the cliff facing the river, so on we raced, with Fieldfare and Redwing flying around. A Stonechat was spotted with another Heron and lots of Common Gulls but no Little Owl! Disappointing, as for some it would have been a first for the year, but our leader promised another look on the way back. We turned back and took the road up to Avon Farm, avoiding the muddy tracks. This gave us Collared Dove, more Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Raven, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest and a field with over fifty winter thrushes. A brief coffee stop at Avon Farm gave us a Pied Wagtail. Needing to be back by 12.15 we retraced our steps and looked for the Little Owl but again we were disappointed. A short diversion up onto the cycle track for another look along the river, then a hurry back to The Riverside. Our short walk had brought us water birds including seven Mute Swans and two Moorhen, and the usual small birds with a notable Chiffchaff; 37 species altogether. Then, with a few non-walkers joining us, we sat down to an excellent Christmas lunch. It was quite special to be reviving the Tuesday Group Christmas walk and lunch tradition. Thanks to Mike Landen for organising it so efficiently. We left some of the group still looking for the Little Owl. Thanks to Robert for leading. Anne Crowe

On a cold but dry day ten of us walked down from Thingwall Park into the Frome Valley, spotting Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Great Tit and a total of twelve Redwings in the woodland. Above the river, we had good views of a male Kingfisher, and on the first weir there was a Heron and a Grey Wagtail. Four Stock Doves showed and two Jays. At Stoke Park a Nuthatch was heard and then seen, and also flocks of Blue and Great Tits, Goldfinches and 14 Long-tailed Tits. Eleven Cormorants flew over. A Buzzard was being chased off by a Magpie, and several more Goldfinches were feeding on the thistles on which a pair of Stonechats briefly perched. Two Goldcrests and two Dunnock were also spotted. The ponds had attracted many birds – Mute Swans, Black-headed gulls, Mallard (and a white duck), Moorhens and Coots. As we circled the larger pond a Water Rail suddenly broke cover from the rushes, flying up right behind the leader’s back. Returning via Stapleton Church there was no Peregrine today. A total of 34 species were seen. Thanks to Richard for leading. Kate Cashmore Postscript to Eastville Park walk; Alan Jefferies and I carried on towards the weir after the walk. I noticed something in the river just upstream from where Fishponds Brook joins the river. It was an otter, probably a female. We watched for a short time until the otter disappeared. By then we had very close views of a Kingfisher, taking advantage of the otter to fish, and nearby a Treecreeper. Richard Scantlebury