Field trip reports

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

22 members met in Hatters Lane on a damp, overcast morning with very little wind. In the trees along the road and footpath, before we crossed St Johns Way, we were treated to a mixed flock of tits and finches including Greenfinch, along with several Dunnocks. In Trinity Lane we saw more small birds including Chaffinch and House Sparrow and the first of many Redwings. Approaching The Windmill, there were seven Meadow Pipit and two Reed Bunting on wires. A large flock of c100 Redwing was flying between trees and the ground with a few Goldfinch and Fieldfare amongst them. Unusually, this turned out to be the busiest section of the walk. We continued on down into the main scrub area which was generally quiet, although we did manage to see a Kestrel and some more Goldfinch. After coffee we carried on toward the Little Owl tree (who was not at home), on the way spying a pair of Bullfinch flying past. They settled in a Hawthorn and fed on the buds. We watched them for some time, probably the highlight of the walk. Around 50 Herring Gull were circling overhead. We started our return, crossing the high open area toward Horton Road where Skylarks were seen fighting and displaying. Many of the same birds as before were seen along Trinity Lane and Hatters Lane, adding Long-tailed Tit and Song Thrush. 29 species seen or heard altogether. (Thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells

On a dry bright day 30 members met in the car park near the golf course and were greeted by the lovely sound of singing Skylarks. (The parking charge is now £4 for 5 hours.) We took a circular four mile clockwise route through the Red Deer Park down to the Lodge and over to Clarken Coombe Lodge and Woods. Then back past Barn Wood and the edge of the golf course to the Miniature Railway and on to the car park. A total of 31 species were detected, some by sound only such as Blackcap, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch and Yellowhammer. There were however wonderful views of a Buzzard soaring above us. There were also sightings of Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Raven. Of the smaller birds the most numerous was 19 Blue Tits but we also saw Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits. Some had sightings of Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Goldcrest as well as Nuthatch and Treecreeper. Many thanks to Graham Blacker for leading a delightful morning enhanced by the flowering daffodils and crocus. Beth Yates

The annual coach trip to the Exe Estuary arrived at Dawlish Warren just after 10:00. After a pleasant close-up encounter with six Turnstones, a scan of the bay produced little with around twelve Great Crested Grebes and two Eider being the highlights. Walking the dunes alongside the golf course a small group of Skylarks fed on the ground next to 14 Oystercatchers. A Chiffchaff fed in the birch scrub surrounding a pool that supported four Shovelers, Teal and Water Rail. Three of our group managed a sighting of the reported Cirl Buntings while two others glimpsed a Dartford Warbler, naturally in Gorse scrub. Two Stonechats gave us good views as we returned to the coach. After clinching Kestrel and Treecreeper at Powderham, all 32 of us embarked upon a walk to Exminster Marshes taking in many wildfowl and waders as we went. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin were numerous on the mud while Brent Goose and Lapwing spread themselves over the fields. At the canal lock a Ruff and a Greenshank were many people’s ‘bird of the day’ as were the eight Red-breasted Merganser on the receding tide. Here, from the Turf Hotel, Grey and Golden Plover, and Avocet made use of the expanding mud. The marshes were a bit quieter but c. 400 Brent Goose was a spectacle as a Marsh Harrier kept the ducks, which included Pintail, Shelduck and Wigeon, forever wary. In total we listed 73 species seen or heard. Thanks to Judy for organising and to Jane for leading. Mike Jackson

22 of us set off in glorious sunshine to walk the fields and brookside woodlands of Winterbourne’s western edge. The obliging Redwing seeing us off would be the first of more than 50 that we would eventually see. As Goldcrest, House Sparrow and Robin made themselves known we entered the first frosty field to see a small group of Meadow Pipit. With Herring Gull on the ground and a Lesser Black-backed Gull cruising by, we headed to St. Michaels Church, adding Fieldfare, Jay, Dunnock and two singing Skylark as we went. Coffee was taken at Monk’s Pool LNR under the gaze of a pylon-perched male Peregrine. A Kestrel then checked us out prior to gliding east, before the female Peregrine briefly alighted on the pylon before heading north. The male stayed to watch us on our way which led us to plenty of activity from enthusiastic Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two or three at a time drumming and calling. The adjacent Bradley Brook LNR gave us Long-tailed Tits, more woodpeckers, and another Goldcrest. We ticked Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, more winter thrush, and a Song Thrush. As we walked the last few fields we passed a large loose flock of Fieldfare, their plumage so well defined as if immaculately prepared for the oncoming breeding season. Thanks go to the group for providing such good company, to Alan for keeping the list of 34 species (and to Mike for leading). Mike Jackson

Six members met at Herriott’s Bridge on a dry, sunny, but chilly morning. The water was very high which seemed to have put off all the waders. At Herriott’s we saw Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Jackdaw, a Grey Heron, and a Grey Wagtail. One possible first year Mediterranean Gull was spotted on the pool. At Stratford Hide, we were surprised to see the area either side of the boardwalk completely flooded and the islands in front of the hide under water. From the hide we added Pochard to the list, heard a Cetti’s Warbler and possibly glimpsed it in the reeds. Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker were both heard. Moving onto the Moreton Hide we saw a Jay along the lane and around 100 Redwing in the fields. At the lake, we saw a Kingfisher. Raven were calling. A female Sparrowhawk was flying between trees and perching when we exited the hide. At Herons Green we spotted a female Smew and a Great Black-backed Gull as well as a Great White Egret, and a Little Egret on the pool. Some of us moved on to Villice Hide where we completed the list with Wigeon, a female Shoveler and a Goldcrest. 36 species in total (thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells