Field trip reports

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

A group of fifteen plus the leader met in the car park of Oldbury Power station. Setting off down the road we spotted two Green Woodpeckers calling and occasionally coming into sight. Entering the main Nature Reserve on the right, we heard Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Bullfinch. The path climbs gently up to the reed beds and looks down on the lake where we could see over 20 Mallards plus Coots and Mute Swans. More Chiffchaff were calling and flitting between the bushes. From the reeds came the call of the Reed Warblers and a Reed Bunting. Later on, the Reed Bunting obliged by posing boldly on a high stem. Further along we noted Linnets, Swallows and a Kestrel. The route then drops down through the hedgerow and onto the main coast path. The tide was well out but we saw a group of Shelducks, a Grey Heron and many Canada Geese. Further along was a small group of Oystercatchers. A Pied Wagtail was seen and a group of three greenfinch. The Kestrel soared along the side of the power station where it had nested. Swallows and Linnets were seen flying over and more Chiffchaff calling as we followed the path back to the small pond and on to the car park. Many thanks to Alan for keeping a record of the 45 species seen by the group. (Thanks to Di for leading)Di Bunniss

In hot weather, the first weekend was held at Sea Walls, where the three juveniles had fledged ten days before. They were active throughout the days, apart from a quiet spell on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday morning all three were in a dead tree next to Circular Road. We had 277 visitors to the stand who were delighted to be shown the birds. Many thanks to the volunteers and to club members who turned out to support us. The next weekend will be on 19 and 20 July, at the usual Watch point on Circular Road, near Ladies Mile. Gareth Roberts

Nine of us gathered by the green at Becket Court/St Aldams Drive suitably attired and prepared for a circular walk in disappointingly damp and dull weather. We joined the mostly tree lined and somewhat green section of cycle path that runs along the perimeter of HMP Ashfield. A few squeaks and calls were heard but not a lot seen. Walking alongside a field of corn and following the gently meandering hedgerow we were buzzed by swallows. Almost impossible though for our cameraman of the day to get a worthwhile shot! Linnet, Blue and Great Tits seen and heard, as was a Chiffchaff which could then be seen perched right at the top of a tree ahead, calling out to the whole world it seemed. A Green  Woodpecker teased some of us whilst pleasing others with its presence. A Greenfinch seemed to be leading us along the conifers before we stopped for ‘elevenses’, as the sun emerged. Here a juvenile Swallow was calling incessantly from the telegraph line to be fed. We passed Blue Lodge, the home of Anna Sewell, author of the classic ‘Black Beauty’. No beautiful horses, but on the approach, we encountered a creche of Charolais cows. Now that the sun was coming out from behind the clouds so did the butterflies, moths and other insects. Comma, Ringlet amongst others which included a Bird-Cherry Irmine. Never knew there was such a thing, but that is part of the beauty of a Tuesday Walk, there is always something of interest to see or learn about, or both. Thanks to our leader Graham Blacker and the other seven hardy souls (June!) who made it another successful visit to our precious countryside. 32 species Paul  Tompkins

Ten people attended this meeting, thankfully the evening was cooling after the heat of the day and there was a pleasant breeze. We followed the usual route and were rewarded by lots of bird song and good views of Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Skylark. 23 species seen included Hobby, Stonechat, Linnet, Swallow, Swift. A pleasant evening walk in good company. (Thanks to Sue and Nigel for leading.) Sue Kempson 

Ten of us left via a footpath towards the Mendip Hills, a Goldfinch was on the overhead wires, as we climbed towards Sanford Hill towards the woods. A Chiffchaff was heard and seen. We passed by the entrance of a cave before we came upon a mendip sinkhole. We continued through the wood until we exited at the Mendip activity centre, where we stopped for a coffee break. Continuing we saw what at first we thought was a Green Woodpecker on a distant post with a large beak but no red or green colouring so the group concluded it must be a large Mistle Thrush. We descended along a wooded path past a meadow full of daisies, on the southern slope the village of Star in the distance. We then joined Paywell Lane (a green lane) before taking a footpath across a newly mown hayfield. Our route took us past the sight of a Roman Villa. Then a short steep climb where a pair of Kestrels could be seen and a Buzzard soaring high, also Meadow Brown and Marbled White butterflies were in evidence. We re-entered the Mendip activity centre pausing by their base camp for lunch. A couple of Lesser Black- backed Gulls were flying around. 32 species observed overall Len Sheen 

Only six people turned out for a spot of wader watching on this hot, sunny day but they were rewarded with plenty to look at, including all six regular dabbling ducks and hundreds of shorebirds. As well as Mallard, Gadwall and Shoveler, we saw two drake Teal, an eclipse drake Wigeon shining red amongst the Shelducks in the saltmarsh, and a female Pintail shepherding four youngsters around the reedbeds – surely beyond their usual breeding range. The first pool had pretty much dried up but the others held plenty of water, allowing most of a Dunlin flock to hide behind the reeds accompanying a Curlew Sandpiper which remained hidden from our view all morning, though it had been seen earlier by others. We compared Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, watched the interactions of Redshanks, Lapwings and a dozen Avocets, and successfully logged waterbirds like Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron and Little Egret. When the tide began to drop, all the Black-tailed Godwits, some in lovely summer colours, headed out to the beach and lined up beside the waves, allowing a count of 215. We were surprised to find as many as 35 Black-headed Gulls which presumably bred elsewhere, or not at all. Land-birds included Swallows, Sand Martins, Long-tailed Tits, Linnets, Stonechats, Reed and Cetti’s Warblers. The species total was 53. Thanks to Graham for keeping the score (thanks to Jane for leading). Jane Cumming

16 members assembled at Puxton village green on an overcast and windy morning. We wandered past the church with its impressive leaning tower and across a field of maize. We walked along the road adjacent to fields and ditches, where we heard Reed Warblers; and saw Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrows and Swifts. Upon leaving the road we heard more Reed Warblers (day total was 15) and, entering the moor, heard a Cetti’s Warbler and a Sedge Warbler. At our coffee stop a Buzzard was spotted sitting atop one of the new style, and generally bird unfriendly, pylons. We also heard and saw the first of nine Reed Buntings, and a pair of Stonechats. An impressive fly past by over 25 Long-tailed Tits was witnessed by all. Skylarks were heard here too. We walked back via the river – dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies were seen but not in abundance. Other birds on the list of 36 species included Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Wagtail, Chiffchaff and Green Woodpecker. A very enjoyable walk – thanks to Gareth for leading. Pam Roberts