Field trip reports

This was a joint walk with Bristol Naturalists’ Society and it also had two start times in the hope that the five early risers amongst us might catch any overnight migrants before they moved on. A newly arrived Whitethroat was scratching away as we climbed the steps and Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler song was also much in evidence. A smart male Wheatear showed well on the open grass at the top, but, sadly, the Grasshopper Warblers that Matt had heard earlier had already departed. Competing Skylarks were in full voice as we moved on to the fields to the south of the ridge and here we were lucky enough to see a Redstart moving along the hedgerows. Returning to the car park for the second start at 09:00 with our numbers more than doubled, we heard Greenfinch, Linnet, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Cetti’s Warbler and Dunnock amongst others. Some heard and saw a Cuckoo and everyone had excellent views of a pair of Stonechats. A Peregrine Falcon was buzzing the Shelduck and Curlew out in the bay and a Kestrel hovered over the grassland. Finally, there was a probable Cirl Bunting in the scrub at the far end. Thanks are due to Matt for his knowledgeable leading and sharing his vast experience of his local patch on this lovely morning. Giles Morris

Twenty-four birdwatchers arrived at Tintern to accompany Graham on his and many others favourite walk, up the Angidy River valley. The weather was dry and mainly clear, with very little wind. Before we had left the car park, we spotted our 50,000th cumulative species, a Wren! A Cormorant flew overhead before we ascended a steep hill into the woodland. A wide range of bird species was seen and heard, including Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, and Chiffchaff. Following the river we saw a Dipper just beyond a waterfall, and later good views of a pair of Grey Wagtails and a pair of Mandarin Ducks. We heard numerous Blackcaps and Goldcrest. A special thank you to Sue, who allowed us to sit in her garden to have lunch. Later we had excellent views of a Dipper, which was later joined by a second one, before they both flew upstream. A Grey Wagtail flew in to take their place. As we walked back to the car park, a Grey Heron flew overhead, bringing the species count to 33. Many thanks to Graham for sharing the beautiful walk with us. Steve Knibbs

Arlingham is a small peninsula jutting out into the Severn. It was a pleasant, flat walk with only a modest rise onto the flood barrier. Around the village is mixed farming with some woodland, hedgerow, drainage ditches and the river. Hinckley Point Power Station proposed to convert the area to wetland (much to the horror of the local inhabitants) to compensate for sea life killed by the cooling water intake. There is an absence of formerly common farmland birds but passage migrants were possible, particularly along the riverside. As we started our walk, following a drainage ditch, we encountered Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Chaffinch. We disturbed a pair of Mallards (three times) and a Moorhen. A large flock of Rooks foraged in an adjacent field. Raptors were hard to find with Buzzard our only species. A close fly-over of a Common Gull afforded a good view of the white, wing tip ‘mirrors’. Several Linnets, Skylarks and a Reed Bunting were the best of the rest. Thirty five species in total, twenty three club members and a lovely sunny day. (Thanks to Alastair for leading). Alastair Fraser

An amazing 51 walkers attended for this popular visit to the rewilding site owned by Belmont Estate. We split into two groups and set off in opposite directions to cover the route over the different habitats. We were blessed with good sunshine after the recent gloomy weather and rain. The new wetland area was fairly quiet but Kingfisher, Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant and Little Egret were seen by some. The Railway Sidings proved heavy going in places and it was a challenge to get through some sections without losing your boots in the mud. There were good views of Siskin feeding in the Alder Trees and a smattering of Linnet, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch in the hedgerows. The fields had a good number of Stonechats overwintering as well as Meadow Pipit. It was a delight to see and hear Skylark on their song flight, surely indicating spring is on the way at last. There were good numbers of Buzzards, a pair of Kestrels and a distant Red Kite. The Green Woodpeckers were active and well seen – perhaps up to five individuals. There were a couple of groups of Roe Deer and three Brown Hares also benefiting from the rewilding at this site. In total there were 40 bird species seen, a good total for a small site close to Bristol. Thanks to Alastair for leading. (Thanks to Robin for co-leading). Robin Martin

Twenty one members met at the Crown Inn car park on a nice bright fresh day. We started off towards the lower woods spotting a couple of Magpies. A Green Woodpecker was glimpsed flying off to a far tree. Then started the steep rocky climb through the woods. Just past the map/sign for the warren a couple of Tree-creepers were calling to each other but remained hidden. Robins, Blue Tits and Great Tits were calling but rarely seen. When the ground opened out two Ravens with a Buzzard above them were seen.At the top of the ridge were lovely views to the valley on the left, anda lovely sunlit view of a Buzzard perched in a tree. As we descended the hill there was another tempting glimpse of a Tree-creeper. Whilst watching and listening to a Dunnock singing there was an interesting squawk and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over our heads and started pecking at the top of a nearby tree. Lastly, a Coal Tit was heard with its situ-situ call, adding to the Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Wren and Redwing spotted by others along the way, and took the species count to 25. Many thanks to Jacky for leading the walk. Stephen Clark

Twenty Five of us set out on a grey, cold morning. The first section was around part of the reservoir where we saw a Black-necked Grebe and a good number of Pochard. We then headed to the reservoir on farmland, and alongside rhines, leading us eventually into Axbridge. It was very muddy in places which proved a bit of a challenge, especially in and around stiles and gateways. After taking time to watch songbirds in and around a line of gardens and allotments where there were some bird feeding stations, we eventually returned via another sect ion of the reservoir for another look at the Black-necked Grebe and a lovely Grey Wagtail. We had n o shortage of birds throughout, with 46 species recorded for the trip by Graham. A most enjoyable walk with plenty of time for members to stop for a coffee break and catch up with each other. (Thanks to Nick and Elaine for leading) Elaine Lambert

27 of us boarded the coach for the annual trip to the Exe estuary. We had a smooth journey to our starting point at Exminster Marshes Nature Reserve. An easy walk to the canal followed where we could look over the marshes to see Canada Geese, Brent Geese, Curlew and a Marsh Harrier hunting. We then walked on to The Turf pub following the raised canal path. Many Curlew, Widgeon, Shoveller, Teal and a solitary Chiffchaff were seen over the marshes with some spectacular flypasts of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Brent Geese. At the Turf the main attraction was the Long-billed Dowitcher in the channel near the canal lock gates where it was much photographed. Luckily, it stood next to a Redshank and a Greenshank giving a good size comparison. Further on there were many Avocet on the main river channel along with Dunlin and some distant Red Breasted Mergansers. Once we arrived at Powderham church to catch up with our coach and eat lunch we unfortunately discovered that the coach wouldn’t start. The hour and half delay wasn’t wasted as we wandered off to see Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Goldcrest in the churchyard trees. Also several Grey Herons in a heronry at the eastern edge of Powderham park. By the Starcross Yacht Club there was a flock of Turnstones doing their thing on the shore. On to Dawlish Warren for a brief visit to try and fail to find Cirl Bunting: Greenfinch had to suffice. Leaving at 16.45 for the drive home after 8 hrs of sunshine and a glorious day’s birding! Thanks to Judy for organising the trip and everyone for sharing scopes and knowledge. Alison Griffies

Eleven of us set off from a windy car park in Winscombe for a lovely walk on a grey February day. We headed up the path and across fields as a flock of Starlings flew over. As we watched a number of birds including Redwing, Chaffinch and Goldfinch moving along the hedgerows, a Green Woodpecker that had been feeding in the field flew up into the oak tree. Passing sheep fields alive with Jackdaws and Rooks, we made our way into the coppiced woodland which was seemingly devoid of birds on this windy morning and we headed uphill. A short detour took us onto private land (permission acquired) to the top of a disused quarry where we spotted a lovely male Bullfinch and enjoyed our coffee stop and wonderful views across to the Channel. Back on the main path, we caug ht a glimpse of a Kestrel as we made our way downhill, and further on we got a good view of the Kestrel sitting on a telegraph pole. We got back to the car park just as the rain started. 25 species were seen. Many thanks to Beth for leading. Sheila Langridge

Fourteen hardy souls gathered at the Griffin PH car park. After a rainy start, we entered a mature housing estate and were delayed by a barrage of song from unseen birds. We saw the usual Crows and Jackdaws and were then treated to a Red Kite sailing over. We saw various feeders and were delighted to see lots of Blue and Great Tits, Goldfinches and a Greenfinch on them. We then moved on to woodland beside the Dramway with very few birds to see. Stopping for coffee at the flood pond we noted Mallard and Moorhens. Moving on to Goose Green we saw flocks of Redwings. Across Siston Common we came to the brook watching for the resident Dipper, alas, to no avail. A tale of two habitats, lots of little birds in the gardens and not many in the woods and fields, nevertheless Alastair recorded a healthy 27 species. (Thanks to Geoff for leading) Geoff Hardman

Around 20 of us gathered in freezing but sunny conditions for a birding feast. Lacking Corn Bunting we had to be satisfied with two Grey Partridges, 200 Common Gulls and 165 Lapwings. Two Buzzards and a Kestrel perched about a horse paddock, overlooking ground feeding Fieldfares, a Mistle Thrush, and Starlings. Along the side road was a sizeable flock of Fieldfares in the grasslands, and a Stonechat perched on tall stalks while a Linnet teased seeds from others. Passing a Skylark in full song, we saw a dozen Common Gulls before Red-legged Partridge, a flight of 45 Lapwings, six Stock Doves, a Red Kite, a Buzzard and also a Red Fox and a Hare. A Lesser Blackbacked Gull fed with more Common Gulls. A closer examination of eight Yellowhammers in a distant hedge revealed 14 Red-legged Partridges and then two Grey Partridges feeding in stubble. 120 Lapwings flew past before we tracked a flock of 21 Yellowhammers along a field margin where a Bullfinch broke cover. A ploughing tractor attracted three Buzzards, nine Pied Wagtails and four species of our commonest gulls. 36 bird species in total. (Thanks to Mike for leading) Mike Jackson