Field trip reports

Seventeen of us met near Walton-in-Gordano on a dry, warm morning. Various habitats were promised: managed wetland (seasonally dry), woodland and heath. Straightaway we saw a Grey Heron flapping off close by, and a Buzzard circling in the distance. On the path across the moorland reserve we saw several Swallows, had a good view of a Whitethroat and heard Skylarks. A Roe Deer was seen quite close, and a Sparrowhawk by some. A few House Martins were flying among the Swallows. Up in the woodland above the moor birds were quite quiet but a group of Long-tailed Tits, a Treecreeper and Jays were spotted. Some of the group saw a Hobby fly over the top of the ridge, and others a Grey Wagtail as we walked back to the cars. A Little Egret appeared as we were preparing to leave. A lovely, varied walk. Thanks to Graham for leading it. In all, 35 bird species were noted, plus some interesting plants, two Roe Deer and two frogs. Sue Cullimore

Birding can be hard going in August; most breeding is over and birds are less visible as they prepare to moult. We still managed 32 species plus Roe Deer and Hare. The dew pond near the car park attracts numerous Swallow and House Martin dropping down for a drink. In spite of the long, dry spell, it was still deep enough for a Mute Swan and a Little Egret.  More Egrets were in the re-wetted field with a flash of a Kingfisher. A Kestrel hunted over the dry pasture, a Red Kite soared in the distance and Buzzard circled over the woodland. The old rail siding is a good place for breeding Whitethroat and we saw several adults and juveniles. Yellowhammer seems less common on the site these days but we found one in a hedge in the southern fields, with a few Skylarks in the pasture. Green Woodpecker were a noisy presence throughout the walk with a couple of good sightings. Goldfinch, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat took full advantage of the numerous Thistle seed heads. (Thanks to Alastair for leading.) Alastair Fraser

Thirteen members met for a very hot and humid walk from the pretty Cotswold village of Hillesley with parties of Swifts darting overhead. The countryside and views were fabulous and very soon after starting our walk we had good views of a Whitethroat sitting on top of an ear of corn. A little further on we came to a stream which we followed and crossed a nice bowed wooden bridge over a lake with Mallards, Mute Swan and Grey Heron. While having our coffee break a Roe Deer appeared nearby but it made a hasty exit when it saw us. From there we could see Green Woodpeckers and Jays in a large tree not far away. We continued on through fields full of grasshoppers or crickets chirping and plenty of butterflies including Peacock, Comma and Small Copper. Three female Pheasants surprised us when they flew in and landed in long grass close to us. A bit further on there was a lot of activity in some tall bushes at the top of a field, mainly Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits. Unfortunately, it was difficult to make out what else, if anything, was there. In all 36 species were noted. Some members were able to watch a Red Kite over the village before the start of the walk, but unfortunately none appeared after the allotted start time to be included in the count. Many thanks to Graham for arranging a lovely walk. Olwen Jones

Eight members arrived in drizzly rain which fortunately stopped in time for the walk which began from the entrance to Clevedon Golf Club. We joined the Clevedon to Portishead coastal path, a narrow sometimes slippery path which gave wonderful views of the Welsh coastline. We saw Blue Tits, Great Tits, Goldfinch and Blackcap and heard Greenfinch, Chiffchaff and Song Thrush along this section. The weather brightened and a short stop for tea and coat removal gave us a glimpse of a Jay, a Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched on a dead tree. There were a few steep climbs along the path, and we headed inland stopping for a picnic lunch (and cake) in Walton Common Woods. The walk through the woods gave us great views of a Spotted Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Coal Tit and two Goldcrest, a Treecreeper was heard, and we saw good examples of Robin’s pincushion. At a short stop on the cliff overlooking our earlier tea stop, we saw a Red Kite soaring and a Buzzard mobbed by two Carrion Crows as well as House Martins and even better views of Wales. On the final section of the walk, we found a superb Dryad’s saddle fungus. 33 species in total were seen or heard. Our walk ended as drops of rain started to fall. Thank you to Robin for leading and Graham’s wife for the yummy cake. Maree Richards

On a warm but overcast morning, 24 of us turned up for a very interesting walk at Pilning Wetlands. As soon as we got to the sea wall all the ‘scopes came out to view 80 Oystercatchers, 42 Curlew, 50 Redshank, Canada Geese, Shelduck, 60 Starling and 100’s of Black-headed Gulls amongst which one moulting Mediterranean Gull was spotted by a local patch watcher. Then excitement erupted when a Grey Heron flew up out of the water with a huge rat, and after a few minutes of struggle swallowed it whole. After 40 minutes or so at New Passage we made our way along the Pill where a few House and Sand Martins and at least 20 Swallows were feeding low over the water, and on to the ponds where again we saw a Cormorant, this time with what looked like an eel in its mouth, again swallowing it whole. Although the pools are very low with some sections completely dry, four Little Ringed Plovers including juveniles were identified along with a single Greenshank, Redshank, Common Sandpipers and three Dunlin. Ten distant Lapwings were picked out around the sheep fields and three Avocets flew over to the north, with four Swifts heading the other way. Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler were all feeding in the reeds by the last pool, and to top off our day a Marsh Harrier was seen flying towards the Severn Bridge. Thank you, Jane, for your ID knowledge and the walk, and thank you Alan for keeping the bird list with a total of 51 species. Caron Thornton-Trippit

Encouraged by the optimistic weather forecast, 27 members assembled at the beautiful coniferous and deciduous Stockhill Woods high up on the Mendips, planted on the site of bumps and rocky outcrops left after centuries of lead mining. As heavy showers commenced from the start Graham cut everyone’s losses and changed plan to adopt the shorter circular route through the woodland. Few birds were spotted initially apart from a Treecreeper, and several Woodpigeons and Magpies. All gathered in the car park again and as the rain dried up, we set off across the moors past the head high reed beds of Priddy Ponds, with a Buzzard overhead. The open heathland and water habitats provided far more interest as the sun came out. Graham ploughed on in search of a little used activity centre which had outside tables, where two birthdays were celebrated! On the walk back we were rewarded by a family of four Stonechats in a Hawthorn tree. Other species included in the list of 23 spotted overall were, Ravens, Whinchat, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and a Bullfinch. Many thanks to Graham for leading the walk. Clifford Frappell

Our second weekend was quieter, with 183 visitors, perhaps because of competition from the HarbourFestival, and a wet Sunday. However visitors were rewarded with great views of the birds from the usualwatch point. The three juveniles were seen flying together, and two were frequently on dead branchesopposite. As a final flourish on the Sunday an adult brought prey to one of the ledges opposite. 460 visitorsover both weekends, and a successful year for the young breeding pair. Many thanks to the volunteerswho made the event possible.Gareth Roberts

Twelve club members sighed a breath of relief at the end of the recent heatwave to assemble on a morningthreatening the first rain for some days. Birthday cake and blackberries were enjoyed on the rather busy quarry road before we set off south in milky sunshine from the discouragingly signposted ‘Discharge Point 2″. Nuthatch, Wood Pigeon, corvids and a gull were identified around fields full of parched grass and stridulating insects. We soon entered woodland with Wrens, a Buzzard and a Robin posing on a log. The path climbed quite steeply to flatten out amid stands of tall yews with Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Greater-spotted Woodpecker all heard. Further along, among tall pines, there were Goldcrest and more Chiffchaffs. Wrens argued with one another on a wall, and Goldcrest was heard in the canopy. Treecreepers entertained us during a well-earned rest. On the return, a large Dryad’s Saddle was admired with occasional Chiffchaff, a Blue Tit with a final Treecreeper to see us back to our cars. Thank you to Graham for leading and to Alan for keeping score. Andrew Archer

On a balmy evening, nine of us met at Speech House Car Park at 20:00 to look for Nightjars on Crabtree Hill.Passing the pool a few House Martins and a Swallow aroused our first interest. Many Song Thrushes were seen, especially a juvenile giving close views. We turned right at the cattle pen, but two women were missing. They had been looking for a Siskin, successfully, and a Spotted Flycatcher they’d heard. Moving on, the youngest member of our group, with great excitement, picked out a pair of Crossbillsl. At the same point we had three Linnets and our first Stonechat. Walking up to the top of the hill, Whitethroat was first heard and then seen, and a Blackcap. Arriving at the top early, we went through to look at old mine works and the view to Cinderford, where the music of an event was loud and clear. A Buzzard was disturbed, our only raptor of the day. Back at the view point for Nightjars the music faintly entertained while we waited. First to be heard were more Stonechat. Then the low churring of our first Nightjar, a thrill as always. Altogether, three birds were heard and one seen. The hill is overgrown, which is bad for Nightjars, and the dearth of insects, especially midges, was striking, explaining the missing pipits. Our 24 species included Swift, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch and Goldfinch. (Thanks to Robert for leading). Robert Hargreaves

Nineteen of us met on a lovely warm, dry day. Setting off along the lane, we discussed a previous sighting from this walk, but no owls noted this time. A Yellowhammer was spotted. Passing through a gate we found ourselves walking around a large field of wheat. Birds were few in number here but there were plenty of butterflies in the hedgerow. Just before we left the field, we observed a Whitethroat high in the tree. We passed the end of the Dramway and walked over the railway bridge leading us to Ram Hill colliery where we took the opportunity to have an early pitstop, sitting amongst the old workings. Whilst here a number of butterflies were observed especially around the wild Buddleia. In the distance swallows were seen chasing around. We headed back towards the railway, where two birds were observed sitting on the wire, one being a Stock Dove the other a Woodpigeon. In this lane several butterflies, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Copper, Small White and Painted Lady were seen as well as Long-tailed Tits and Treecreeper. Finally, as we finished a gorgeous Buzzard circled overhead. 24 species were seen in total. Thanks to Graham for leading.Vernon Holmes