Field trip reports

Seven of us met on a beautiful warm day to tour this RSPB site, restored from 20th century peat workings (starting in 1994), and designed to enhance or recreate an extensive habitat of rhines, lakes and reedbeds. There was an almost continuous background of singing Blackcaps, excitingly interspersed with Willow Warbler and Garden Warbler, and Cetti’s almost too numerous to count… Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warblers, Song Thrushes and the occasional Chaffinch – what a soundtrack! We had a little master class on the Garden Warbler whose song sits squarely between the lush flutey fruitiness of Blackbird and the more manic Blackcap; with one member managing to record its song on a phone ID app which duly confirmed the identification. Beautifully marked male and female Marsh Harriers and one youngster hunted over the marshes, Bitterns boomed and skimmed across the reed tops, majestic Great White Egrets flew and settled, Hobbies were seen high up, their dark scimitar silhouettes so similar to Swifts, and we saw one Red Kite as well as Buzzards. Many water birds were breeding: we saw Mute Swans carrying youngsters on their backs; a tiny red-head-fluffed Coot on a little island nest, with smart older juveniles; Great Crested Grebe young with their humbug-striped head and necks; Lapwings defending against predation, and Shovelers bowing to each other; as well as many smart Pochards; scores of Gadwall, and a scattering of Tufted Ducks, Grey Herons and Cormorants. We did look, though without success, for the Bearded Tits and Garganey which can be seen by the lucky; and were surprised at the lack of Hirondines on this warm, still and insect rich day. As for insects: Odonata were appearing at last – pairs of Common or Azure damselflies, and dragonflies that were probably Hairy – but surely their late appearance must be affecting the Hobbies who feed on them? We saw a few Brimstone, Peacock, and a Common Blue butterflies. Many thanks to Jane, who has volunteered at Ham Wall on and off over the years and expertly guided our group; and we all enjoyed finally experiencing some proper ‘shorts and T-shirt’ weather! Total species count 44. Lois Pryce CLUB NOTICES Chairman’s notes

It was so nice to see a few old and new faces as we gathered in the Visitors Car Park after the strictures of Lockdown. Andy called us to order and about twenty of us (I wasn’t counting) set off in good and somewhat spritely order towards the first lagoon. Sharp-eyed Andy spotted a couple of Peregrines sitting atop the nearest power pylons that I thought I had scanned a moment or two previously. On the weedy surface of the pond below the lagoon were a couple of Canada Geese, a Moorhen family and apparently a Little Grebe which I didn’t see as “I was at the back”. However, being at the back meant that when Mike Jackson spotted a male Bullfinch, I was one of the few to appreciate its glowing rosy magnificence. Other species noted around this time were Chaffinch, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Buzzard and a first but definitely not last hearing of Reed Warbler. Moving on, we climbed above the other side of the lagoon where we could see a Song Thrush performing at the top of a tree and a Grey Heron, Goldfinch and later Linnets provided fly-pasts. There were Whitethroats whizzing around on the brambles and the occasional sighting of a Blackcap or Chiffchaff flitting in and around the trees. Further along the embankment around the higher defunct lagoon (now scrubland) there were sightings of Reed Bunting and more Whitethroats, but none alas of the elusive Cetti’s Warbler which, as usual, seemed to delight in being invisible despite being highly vocal. A Great Spotted Woodpecker made an appearance in the trees off to our left and a couple of Shelduck were flying in toward the Severn ahead of us. Meanwhile on the shoreline it was very quiet as it was high tide; a few more Shelduck and a lone Starling provided the interest until we passed the Power Station where a Pied Wagtail or possibly two put in an appearance. A Little Egret calmly flew past along the river as we were walking north to our coffee bench as did a Kestrel going south on the landward side. More Shelduck were evident along the river to the north and if you had a very good telescope, two very distant Oystercatchers. On the route back to the car park, great delight was taken at the presence of a Lesser Whitethroat, heard but not seen despite valiant efforts. Finally, in the orchard we saw Blue Tits, Chaffinch and a female Reed Bunting to round off the day. Thanks to Andy for leading and all due patience. Alan Craddock

A bright sunny morning for the walk from Walton-in-Gordano, with Geoff leading his select group of two, so we had V.I.P. attention! The first part of the walk, along Moor Lane, had a Buzzard soaring overhead, Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch, Robin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap all spotted among the hedgerows and trees. Swallows swooped over our heads, close enough to touch, as they swept around the stables and farm buildings. Two Raven, with their deep croaking call, flew past, then a flurry of Goldfinch. Crossing over the stile on to Weston Moor, we immediately heard the Reed Warblers chattering. A Reed Bunting posed long enough to have his photo taken, and a call from the shrubs nearby revealed a Sedge Warbler, who also obliged by staying long enough for us to have a good look, then flitting from bush to bush before we lost sight of him. The ground was not as boggy as we feared after so much rain, so there were no problems traversing the three fields that are part of this special National Nature Reserve. Geoff pointed out the owl box in the distance but no owl to be seen. More Swallows were swooping low in the fields before we crossed the road to the footpath leading up to woodland. More Chaffinches and Blackcap, always a Robin or two, then a gentle climb up into the wood where we spotted a Green Woodpecker and later two Goldcrests. We emerged on to Walton Common, which was carpeted in wild flowers and herbs, beautiful for sight and senses. (Later it will be full of wild Thyme we were told, so a visit must be made again.) A Buzzard was perched on a tree, offering a great view, until he took to the skies and soared above us. Down from the Common, where diseased Ash were being felled, we saw Pied Wagtail and House Martins. Sparrows cheeped from the hedges of the houses at that junction. The rain that had threatened finally arrived but only for a few minutes. Altogether 30 species noted, and possibly as many Robins! An excellent walk through country lanes, Nature Reserve, woodland and open Common Land. Thanks to Geoff for leading and sharing his knowledge of the area. Di Bunniss

This is a new Tuesday walk venue on the eastern side of Bristol with varied habitats including a stream, reed-fringed pond, open grassland, a bluebell wood with mature trees, blackthorn thickets and a small wetland. The walk incorporates part of the Frome Valley Way. It turned out to be a bit longer in time and distance than is normal on a Tuesday being over five miles in total, but no one complained. The weather was mild with a few showers. We started at a small rush-filled pond surrounded by willow and hawthorn where we found a family of Greenfinches as well as Goldfinches and a Bullfinch. The bushes were home to healthy populations of House Sparrows, with the houses, never far away, providing nest sites under the tiles for Starlings. The woodlands were full of song from Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Robin, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Each passing shower provoked another burst of song. We had a brief flash of Kingfisher and two Grey Wagtails on the river. The fields and paddocks had hunting Swifts, Swallows and House Martins. A singing Lesser Whitethroat completed our list of 37 species. Thanks to Joyce and Kate for leading. Alastair Fraser

Six of us met at 18:00 for this evening walk. Under fine bright skies we ventured first to the sailing lake, passing a Great Spotted Woodpecker in mature garden trees as we went. At the lake we could see Tufted Duck and up to a dozen Common Tern, some on the floating structure that always attracts them and some hunting low over the water, continually dropping to the surface to pick off morsels. Swifts were in good numbers with scores forming a dense gathering over the lake’s shoreline and the adjacent meadow. Sand Martin numbers matched those of Swifts but Swallows and House Martins were less numerous. A sizeable dark raptor appeared in the sky and arced around and across the lake without actually giving much away. We all agreed it was not a Buzzard, Osprey or Kite, but we couldn’t absolutely nail it as a Marsh Harrier which we felt was its probable identity. Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Song Thrush gave their renditions as we reached the south bank. Whitethroat, Chaffinch and Greenfinch joined the list, as well as a ground dwelling Rook. Hirundines on the overhead wire appeared to all be Swallows but a couple of them stayed after the others had flown. We spent a while picking out the two remaining birds field-marks from their right rear, only for one of them to realight and face the other way offering us the full view, these two now easily identified as Sand Martins. A fly-by Stock Dove, and a close to shore Great Crested Grebe and Green Woodpecker raised the tally before we stopped at the cereal fields for a patient search for a not found Yellow Wagtail. On we went to the damp woodland where common bird song surrounded us. Cetti’s Warbler was close, but as usual remained completely hidden, while a group of Long-tailed Tits were more obliging. Then an unexpected sound of a loose metal stake being hit with a metal hammer was identified as a Coot pinging from the dense vegetation! The rain set in for the next ten minutes but when it stopped a dark falcon raced across the now dim skyline to quickly veer out of sight – Hobby! Nearing the end of the walk we scanned the parkland in front of Frampton Court to find a gaggle of geese. This gave rise to a conversation about wild, introduced and feral birds, and particularly the origin of the Ross’s Goose we were watching, while a hybrid Snow x Bar-headed Goose encouraged further comment. Greylag, Canada and Barnacle were the other three. We ended just before 21:00 with 42 species (including the harrier and geese). Thanks to the group for making it such an enjoyable walk (and thanks to Mike for leading). Mike Jackson

In line with lockdown rules, six of us met in the pouring rain, three new and three experienced birders; thankfully the rain did not last too long and the sun came out. The walk through Vassals Park and Eastville saw the expected birds including Robin, Song Thrush, Wren, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, most of which were heard but not seen. The Peregrine Falcon could be seen in the distance on Holy Trinity Church at Stapleton but, unfortunately, was not there when we walked past the church on the way back. As we progressed through Stoke Park, we saw Common Whitethroat and heard Lesser Whitethroat, an opportunity to compare the distinctive calls. Flying overhead were a Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, the size difference being very noticeable. On the pond, Moorhen and Mallard chicks were swimming around. Walking back, there was a Grey Wagtail posing for photographs by the bridge. Two of the highlights for me were as we walked back through Eastville Park; there was a female Sparrowhawk in a tree eating her lunch, which was joined by a male who appeared to get very friendly! We spent some time watching the feathers fall from the unfortunate bird it had caught. But on a happier note, it was not long until we saw two young Long-tailed Tits sitting on a branch being fed by their parents. Just before we arrived back at the cars a Sparrowhawk flew past and landed on one of the local roofs for yet another photo opportunity. For those who like statistics, we saw some 39 different species during the four hour walk. So, as a new birder on his first field trip, a very enjoyable experience, some new sightings and lots of things learned from those more experienced (thank you), and a special thanks to Rich for showing us the sights. Paul Salmons

Following the non-appearance of one person who shall remain anonymous, four members set off a little late for our walk. Bright sunshine and broken cloud were a complete contrast from the heavy rain and strong wind of the previous day. A Kestrel was soon spotted as we took in the view as we headed east. Dropping down to Tucking Mill, Robins, Wrens and Blackcaps were heard. At the lake the resident Grey Wagtail were soon spotted and on the far side a Little Grebe. Climbing up to the railway path we were soon rewarded for our efforts with not one but three Buzzards. Further on a bird was heard in a nearby bush and after some discussion was agreed to be a Blackcap. At the old Midford Station we were entertained by a Song Thrush during out coffee break. Walking alongside the old Coal Canal, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff and Pheasant were heard and a pair of Song Thrush seen. Passing several locks of the old Somerset Coal Canal, we climbed the steep fields back to South Stoke, spotting the same Kestrel seen earlier. Sadly, no orchids to admire but lots of Cowslips. 24 species were mainly heard but some seen. (Thanks to Dave for leading) Dave Body

Gareth is a volunteer warden at Puxton Moor Nature Reserve, a 180 acre area of pasture land networked with SSSI species-rich rhynes, near the small and quite remote village of Puxton in the North Somerset levels east of Weston-super-Mare. He led five of us through the village and churchyard seeing or hearing Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch and Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, and along hedgerow-ed lanes, open meadows and moors and along reeded rhynes and the Oldbridge River. Trees and bushes were full of Chiffchaffs (total 18), Blackcaps and Linnets, and rhynes with glimpsed Reed Warblers (total 16) and Reed Buntings, Whitethroat, Stonechat and Skylark. We could just make out a Raven’s nest in the top of a pylon with the bird sitting and flying, and Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard hunting. We put up a Snipe and heard a Moorhen, and Mallards and Canada Goose flew over. A few Swallows hawked over the meadows or looked ready to nest in barns. Rhynes and river are odonata-rich and we looked for the earliest dragonfly, the Hairy Dragonfly, though without success! This was a lovely walk enriched by Gareth’s knowledge. Total 38 species. Lois Pryce

A Covid-compliant group of six met at the Ashley Walk car park for a six hour walk in uninterrupted sunshine. The terrain was a pleasing mixture of lowland heath, scrub and woodland and everywhere was dry underfoot after a month with little rain. A stiff breeze inhibited the showing of birds and butterflies. Among our multiple sightings were Common Redstarts, Stonechats, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Mistle Thrushes, Greenfinches and Buzzards. There were good single sightings of Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Tree Creeper, Nuthatch and Raven. With several species – Siskin, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Marsh Tit and Stock Dove – we had to content ourselves with audio-only identification, courtesy of the sharper ears among us. Mid-morning brought the joy of a Cuckoo calling, the first of the year for all of us. We would hear it again throughout the day, with two birds calling from opposite directions at one point. One of our target species, the Dartford Warbler, proved very obliging on three separate occasions despite no effort at all on our part. One male even kindly demonstrated his song flight. Despite being a UK resident, Dartfords are still only one tenth as common in summer (1,700 breeding pairs, RSPB) as the migrant Cuckoo, even though the latter has greatly declined in numbers. Another target, the Wood Lark, was not in evidence. In scanning for ground movement on forest lawns, wind-blown dead leaves were a distraction. One brief glimmer of hope turned out to be three ground-feeding female Chaffinches. Humble LBJs can play tricks when you have hopes and expectations of something more exotic! The youngest member of our group initiated a game of Spot the Song Thrush, which was well hidden in a holly tree right in front of us. It was fully eight minutes later by the time the bird was finally seen by all, to a cheer of “Hallelujah!” Friendly banter and the sharing of hard-won knowledge is all part of a good birding trip. Thanks to Jane for leading and for being an inspiration. Our final species count was a modest 34 birds, plus Roe Deer, Common Lizard and lots of wild ponies! Trevor Hill

Bright blue sky, warm sunshine and the singing of Skylarks greeted us as we met at Ashton Court car park. A short walk over to Leigh Woods, where we were surrounded by birdsong, including an abundance of Nuthatch, Blackbirds, Blackcaps, Goldfinches, together with Wren, Robin, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Stock Dove. And Wood Pigeon. Out into the open, on our way to Abbots Leigh, a Kestrel and two Buzzards put in appearances. At the Abbot’s Pool there were Chiffchaff, Moorhen and Mallard with their tiny fluffy ducklings. The return to Ashton Court gave us the highlight of the morning – a Wheatear. So back to the car park skirting round the area now partially roped off to protect nesting Skylarks. Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Jays, Magpie, Rooks, Jackdaws, Long-tailed Tit and Pied Wagtail added to a total of 32 species for the morning. (Thanks to Brenda for leading, Ed). Brenda Page