Field trip reports

Alas there was a traffic problem in Bristol so we lost a couple of car loads of walkers. Nine walkers – including Simon, a veteran member but a new Tuesday walker, started along the path towards the Bottom. A Redstart family was an immediate sighting, followed by Bullfinch, Raven, singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff and a Yellowhammer. As the day heated there was an increase in fly numbers and, apart from Chaffinch, Goldfinch and a singing Whitethroat, there wasn’t much else. As we paused for coffee, we were entertained by Stonechat, Song Thrush, but alas only two Swallows. As we approached the turning into Kings Wood it was clear that barriers were in place (Ash die back – danger of death), so we turned instead to transit along the back of the wood, where a Treecreeper was seen and a Coal Tit heard. Finally on reaching our normal route, time dictated so we cut along the road rather than up to the radio masts. At Mendip Farm we encountered a group of Stock Doves roosting on the wood piles and a nice count of House Martins around the barns. Thanks to Alan Daniells for keeping better records than me and getting us to 32 species for the day. (Thanks to Nick for leading.) Nick Hawkridge

The walk started with Swifts and Chaffinches near the village and after crossing the main road we had several Corn Buntings and Skylarks in the bushes and fields. Along the track were more Corn Buntings, singing and flying. A Yellowhammer was spotted in a nearby tree adding to our list. As we approached Rushmead Lane three Red Kites and three Buzzards gave good views. A few yards along the lane was a family of Whitethroat, parents busy feeding young. Another nice turn-up was a Lesser Whitethroat which called then flew across the field from a nearby bush. It was a pleasant end to a very hot walk – 22 species and 15 walkers. (Thanks to Chris Perry for leading ) Chris Perry

A good crowd (24) turned up in reasonable conditions to crisscross our way over Felton Common. Most of the walk we were accompanied by the singing of Skylarks (parachute flight), Whitethroats (around their territories) and Linnets. A distant Kestrel was monitoring the rustlings from a landing light post, Swallows zipped over the grass at knee height and the House Sparrow simply would not morph into anything more exciting. Our coffee break Buzzard made its appearance on cue and we actually ‘saw’ a Willow Warbler singing (three seen /heard in total). Some male and female Stonechats were seen and the best count we got of House Martins, at the Round House, was 18 – probably 9 pairs with nests under the eaves. The walk down Long Lane added another Kestrel flying over and a Yellowhammer making the count four in total. A second Song Thrush was seen, adding to the one heard close to a snail shell anvil on the common. A lone gull, making free with a water trough, was initially thought to be a third-year Herring Gull but after close study through a scope, re identified as a Yellow-legged Gull. Up Kingdown Lane, past the camping site, we heard more Long-tailed Tits, a lucky few saw a Bullfinch and Chaffinches were singing in the background. Back on the common for lunch with Chiffchaff putting in a refrain or 20 and then the final leg back to the cars. A follow up report from an early finisher recorded a Grey Heron. The total count was 34 species and many thanks to Melanie for leading us round. Melanie Patch & Nick Hawkridge

I didn’t expect a lot from the walk when only one of the Reed Warblers which had serenaded us on the recce produced any song, but there were plenty of Whitethroats – if one could hear them through the din of the M5. 13 people walked past Pill harbour, which produced only a few Mallard, and along the marina to Jenny’s Meadow where we admired the flowers with Skipper and Common Blue butterflies. A Kestrel hovered over the marsh. Two Swifts were spotted high up, but only one Swallow and three House Martins, one Heron and one Cormorant. Blackcap, Whitethroats and Wrens were heard in the hedges. Coffee was taken underneath the motorway, using the bases of the uprights as seats! As we tackled the path along the shoreline we spotted three Oystercatchers on the Avonmouth side of the river and a few Herring Gulls. Then into the path between the hedges, peering through to the several areas of reed, but only Long-tailed Tits appeared. At last a Reed Warbler was heard and I saw a reed quivering, not quite revealing the bird below. Also, a Greenfinch made itself known. Nick’s list contained further common species, resulting in a final count of 34. There was excitement towards the end of the path when Alan Craddock found a single, beautiful Bee Orchid. (Thanks to Judy for leading). Judy Copeland

The car park was busy; ominously full of bike-racked cars and vans, but we came through unscathed and even avoided the horses. In dappled sunlight and a fresh breeze we started our tally with Bullfinch, quickly followed by Stock Dove singing its dulcet ‘ooo-ue’ in the woods. Our first target was achieved with singing Wood Warbler closely followed by Pied Flycatcher – good numbers of these throughout the day. Jeff Holmes met us at the start of Slaughterhouse Combe. He led us to the tops via Lowsey Thorn, with a Redstart family and Spotted Flycatcher just before we emerged onto the moor. Lunching close to the path we had lovely views of both Stonechat and Linnet families. A Cuckoo called then showed and finally flew right over us but leaving the best bit of this species to a female whose bubble call was heard close by. As we ambled along towards Bicknoller Post a shout went up of Dartford Warbler and indeed two showed quite well for a time. We said our goodbyes to Jeff just before we started the descent into Sheppard’s Combe. With Lady’s Edge above us we picked up Yellowhammer and a rare view of Willow Warbler and nearing the end of Hodders Combe a Dipper was skulking in the cover of the overhang above the stream. A total of 16 walkers, and 45 species were seen or heard. (Thanks to Nick for leading). Nick Hawkridge

Fourteen members met on a mostly dry day. We were treated to views of a Lesser Whitethroat in the thick hedge bordering the road and two Peregrines which flew over. Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, a Greenfinch, a Bullfinch were also heard. Entering the woods we heard Treecreepers and Goldcrests. We passed the rookery which has about 40 nests this year. Although the woods are mostly native species such as Oak, Ash, Beech, Holly and Yew, this section contains specimens including Deodar Cedar, Wellingtonia, Lime and Corsican Pine, dating from when it was part of the garden of Ridge House, which has since been demolished. There were several more Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs in this section. At Barnhill Quarry we saw Little Grebes (one on a nest) and Moorhens on the lake, and a Buzzard and Sparrowhawk flew over. On the return route we stopped to look at a young Nuthatch. A Sparrowhawk flew over again. Other species seen or heard during the walk included Collared Dove, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, two Swifts, Jay and Song Thrushes. 33 species seen or heard in total. (Thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells

We were fortunate to have a fine and sunny day for our field trip. Coaches are not permitted to enter Worth Matravers so we walked down the road to the village and then towards the coast at Winspit. The route was a Whitethroat alley with several singing males along the way and two Red Kites circling over the hill to the West. Skylarks and Rock Pipits accompanied us on the way to Dancing Ledge where we stopped for a break and a chance to scour for Puffins among the Guillemots and Razorbills. The Puffins proved elusive and only a few of the party managed a sighting. There were plenty of Stonechats and Linnets on the way to Durlston but no Yellowhammer on this occasion. The Durlston cliffs afforded much closer views of Guillemots and Razorbills with Fulmars and a Peregrine. Shags also nest along the cliffs. Fine weather does not make for successful sea watching but we did see a couple of Gannets. We saw about 40 species in total and had a wonderful day out. (Thanks to Alastair for leading). Alastair Fraser

Eighteen of us met at the lower car park in Burrington Coombe on a warm, sunny morning. We walked up through the woods onto Burrington Ham. We walked along the flank of Black Down past oak woods and carpets of bluebells. Finally, we walked down the other side of the Coombe to our starting point. Among the bird species we saw and heard most were Willow Warblers, Whitethroats, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, especially whilst walking by the trees and bushes on Black Down. A Garden Warbler was also spotted, and near the end of the walk a few people managed to see a Spotted Flycatcher. We saw 33 bird species in total. (Thanks to Clive for leading) Clive Burton

Eight of us set out along the railway track at Ham Wall on a mild and pleasant morning. Herons showed well, starting with two Glossy Ibis flying low over the path, then regular sightings of Great White Egrets all morning (there are 40 nests in Somerset this spring) as well as Little Egret, Grey Heron and, of course, Bitterns which boomed and flew around in the far distance before one finally toured the reed bed giving us all great views. Great Crested Grebes were displaying and carrying young on their backs. Several Marsh Harriers and a Lapwing quartered the far shore while at least 28 Black-tailed Godwits could be glimpsed at their roost in the reeds. We heard two Cuckoos but failed to see either. Lots of Swifts were careering through the sky and even screaming low over the reeds, joined by just one or two Swallows and House Martins. Sadly, we found no Hobby in attendance but some saw a Sparrowhawk. Cetti’s, Reed and Willow Warblers were singing lustily. We had a good opportunity to compare Blackcap and Garden Warbler songs, with plenty of thrushes joining in as well as Chiffchaffs and a Whitethroat. Our leader thinks he heard a Sedge Warbler but we couldn’t locate it. Reed Buntings were much admired as they balanced on the reed stems. Our final total was 46 species. Note that the second bridge by Viewing Platform Two has been closed indefinitely for safety reasons. Many thanks to Bob for leading us around this site that he knows so well. Jane Cumming

Lewis Thomson from Gloucester RSPB met twelve of us on a fine and still evening, much to the delight of the local insects. The reserve is managed to encourage Nightingale. This is their most north-westerly breeding site in the UK, the nearest other site may now be Salisbury Plain, most are in the south-east. New strategies are being tried against Muntjac (we heard barking), to allow a dense understorey, and to coppice larger areas without brash barriers. Song Thrush (some mimicking Nightingale), and Blackbird sang throughout the evening joined by Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren, Dunnock and Chaffinch. Our first, brief Nightingale song was heard at 20:00. Just after 21:00 we heard good periods of song close to the path, joined by another in duet, magical! As we returned to cars a fourth male was starting up. They think they have five singing males this year, but for how long? 16 species in total. Many thanks to Lewis for guiding, and to the generous members who donated on the night towards the conservation work. (Thanks to Gareth for organising). Gareth Roberts