Field trip reports

We met our two local guides at a new location for a club field trip, Haddon Hill, a mix of heathland and woodland edge. Redpoll and Siskin in the car park got us off to a good start. Generally, the birds were much harder to find than earlier in the season but walking along the woodland edge we managed Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Crossbill. A couple of people heard a brief Redstart call but nobody managed to see one. Only two Blackcaps and one Whitethroat were still singing. The heathland had good populations of Meadow Pipits, Stonechats, Linnets and Skylarks with a Buzzard just visible before it went behind a hill. Ravens ‘cronked’ overhead. Tree Pipits were hard to find but we managed one family close to where they were seen by our guides earlier in the year. A couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were chipping away in the woods. Then the heavens opened and we all got a good soaking on the mile or so walk back to the cars. Thanks to the two Brians for leading. Alastair Fraser

On my recce, I found that part of the advertised Clevedon/Walton walk was impassable with brambles, bracken and everything else – the path needed a working party before I could lead a group along it! – so I moved the walk to start at Moor Lane, Walton-in-Gordano, for the walk over to Walton Common.  Nine of us proceeded very slowly along Moor Lane and Clapton Lane – it was a picnic walk – we had plenty of time! – so every bird was studied.   Chiffchaffs vied with Blackcaps for the most song we picked up, we saw a pair of Stonechats, and two Pheasants in a field were having a set-to. We eventually went through the gate into the first field, where the grasses were very high and we were glad it was dry.  Here we had the coffee break. Two Ravens were seen flying over and a couple of Buzzards, then there was Whitethroat song and one bird seen in the bushes (I saw four here on the recce) and there was a blast from a Cetti’s Warbler.   Also, song from at least two Song Thrushes – quite late in the season this year – and a nice view of a family of five Mistle Thrushes feeding on the field opposite.  There was wonderful Skylark song as we walked beside the rhine towards the National Nature Reserve and sharp ears picked up Reed Bunting long before anyone else heard it. There was song and a fleeting view of a Sedge Warbler; someone mentioned Willow Warbler which always used to be found in this suitable habitat but they seem to have moved further north.  A female duck flying over the moor was assumed to be a Mallard, but quickly identified as a Tufted Duck and this was seen twice more, an unusual sighting. In the middle of the path was a beautiful Scarlet Tiger Moth, but the lack of sun meant that we didn’t see much of the butterflies, dragonflies or damselflies normally on the reserve. Leaving the NNR and entering AWT’s Weston Moor we saw two Buzzards on a field in the distance – there was obviously carrion there as Magpies and Crows were also in attendance.  At the road, three people who needed to get back took to the tarmac and the rest of us crossed and walked up towards the wood, stopping for a peaceful picnic at the top of the field.  As we entered the main path through the wood I said this was usually very quiet – which of course prompted Alan’s sharp ears to pick up Goldcrest, Treecreeper and Coal Tit, welcome additions to the list. On the Common we found Ringlet, Marbled White and many Meadow Brown butterflies, but only one person had a brief view of a Fritillary. The slow pace of the walk resulted in us not getting back to the cars till after 15:00, but the weather had warmed up nicely and there was no hurry!   45 species in all.  … Read more

Four of us met on a cold, damp morning at Thingwall allotments for a walk around Eastville Park and up to Duchess Pond led by the extremely capable Rich Scantlebury. Having run around this park dozens of times during the pandemic I was surprised to find this new entrance, and we were greeted by a loud chorus of Blue Tit, Wren and Blackcap. Wandering further around the grasslands we could not make out any Peregrines on the distant Stapleton Church, but Swift hunted above and we listened to various common songs, much appreciated practice for myself. Wandering down to the pond we counted the water birds and enjoyed the flotilla of Mallard ducklings. Then came the highlight of the walk, a female Tawny Owl in the second box, well hidden but giving good views. The walk to Duchess Pond heralded two Grey Wagtail and fleeting Kingfisher views. Once at Duchess Pond the water itself was quiet, but a Buzzard and singing male Reed Bunting were great to see. The walk back to the cars also yielded the first Great Spotted Woodpecker and Stock Dove of the morning. Many thanks to Rich for leading, we ended up with 34 species across the two sites.  Pete Harrison

We set off promptly with a Buzzard circling overhead. Blackcaps were calling from the trees beyond the car park, and soon we had added Wren, Robin, and Chiffchaff to the list. On entering the woodland proper, we hadn’t gone far before spotting more Chiffchaff and then a Spotted Flycatcher, flitting to and fro, probably taking food to the young. We watched quite a while so that everyone had a chance to see the bird, and we also saw a youngster, waiting patiently on a branch for the next feed. As we moved on two Goldcrest were seen in a nearby evergreen tree.  On the path in front as we headed off were two Bullfinches that fled before the main group had caught up. A large collection of twigs gathered high in a tree was very possibly a Buzzard nest. A very bedraggled Great Tit was spotted, the appearance possibly reflecting the effort of going back and forth through the nest hole feeding the young. Chaffinch were heard calling but not seen and Coal Tit were spotted. Moving on, disturbing a Roe Deer then bounded off into the deeper woodland, we climbed to the top field for a short rest. A Sparrowhawk was seen and one lone Swallow. The meadow has a wide area of Common Spotted orchids, Rock Rose, and wild strawberries. Coal Tits were seen and heard in nearby trees and a Robin watched us from close by. After admiring the terrific views and identifying a Ringlet Butterfly we made the descent, through quieter woodland. Nuthatches were heard, a family of four Chiffchaffs and four Great Tits were spotted, plus juvenile Blackcaps.  The finale, nearing the car park, was the bumblebee nest,  best left undisturbed. An excellent walk, with 24 species seen. Thanks to Alastair for leading.  Di Bunniss

A group of ten enjoyed a calm and sunny day of birding in the woods and surrounding countryside near Wickwar.  We started out in Lower Woods, which is a Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Very quickly we began to see a good number of Common Spotted orchids and a wide variety of other wildflowers, and hearing, if not always seeing, a good number of birds. Early on in the walk we disturbed a Muntjac deer and I believe someone also saw a Roe deer.   Many of the birds on this walk were heard rather than seen due to the lush foliage on trees. However we did get good views of some juvenile birds which provided an opportunity to see birds in different stages of plumage.  The juveniles seen were Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher and Robin.  At least one of the Spotted Flycatchers provided some very obliging views for us as it flew from open branches out to catch insects and then returned to the foliage.  As we were watching the Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Creeper made an appearance much to our delight.  There were many Blackcaps on the walk as to be expected, but luckily for me I was with someone who spotted a Garden Warbler which I could have sworn was a Blackcap. Maybe one day I will be able to recognise the difference!  Our walk also took us across open countryside which provided a nice contrast in environments and plenty of opportunity to see a variety of other wildlife such as dragonflies, butterflies, and moths.  Some of the highlights for me were the Beautiful Demoiselle (male and female), Chimney Sweeper moth, and Burnet Companion moth.  Thanks to the experts in our group (Gareth and Jean) I was able to learn the identity of these beauties.  The total species count was 27.  Thanks to Jean for leading the walk. Linda Moysey

All eleven people who signed up turned up – thanks, everyone.  It was a hot and sunny day with a light wind.  We started birding in the car park with a Reed Bunting and Whitethroats popping in and out of the bushes, then headed out along the main track.  An excellent find was a Hobby sitting on a dead branch and staying put long enough for us to get a telescope on it for a good view.  We turned off the track to follow the shady grass tracks looping through the wooded section which was cool and pleasant.  At the first hide there wasn’t much to see on the small pools, so we strolled on picking up singing warblers, particularly a Willow Warbler showing well in a tree top.  The “tower hide” overlooks a good stretch of reed-bed but sadly we couldn’t find the Bearded Tits that can often be seen from it.  Turning onto the London Drove we checked the much larger pools there to find families of Great Crested Grebes with the youngsters riding on the parent’s backs, a Great White Egret, Mute Swans, Mallard, Coots and Moorhens, and a delightful family of Long-tailed Tits.  A Water Rail called in the deep vegetation, and of course there were Cetti’s Warblers in the wet thickets. We listened to a distant Cuckoo and two singing Garden Warblers amongst the many Blackcaps.  Overhead were Cormorants, Swifts, at least two Marsh Harriers, a Buzzard and a Kestrel.  Back on the main track, we could hear a Bittern calling regularly but it refused to show, staying hidden in the reed-bed.  We added Grey Heron and Little Egret to the list for four heron species and checked another hide where Reed Warblers were singing. The group enjoyed trying to identify the damselflies and dragonflies which were numerous. It was a pleasant walk with 37 species – largely the same ones that you would find at Ham Wall but without the crowds, bicycles and dog walkers.  Many thanks to Jenny for leading. Jane Cumming

Picnic walk in warm weather – what luxury! Seven, a good number to ensure we all saw/heard the birds on offer. Shelduck on the salt flats, Stonechat in the scrub – one of many we saw during the day, including juvenile Whitethroat singing, at the Point and all along our walk route. A concerted effort was made to see the Garden Warbler we could hear. Green and Goldfinch were singing and calling, with a bold chested Linnet adding to the noise – all heard before the turn down to the riverside path. A poor showing was made by Swift, Swallow and House Martin – not over a handful of each. We discussed gull differences – a Great Black-backed Gull (3rd yr) provoked this particular interchange, we heard and then saw Rock Pipit. Lunch by the defunct mine testing jetty where a Lesser Whitethroat sang alongside a Chaffinch just to add confusion. The walk back allowed us better views of Rock Pipit, with a ‘beakful’ parent refusing to go to the nest until we were at least 70 metres away. A total of 37 species were seen and heard and excellent identification support from the participants.  (Thanks to Nick for leading)  Nick Hawkridge

It was a beautiful June morning as 13 of us met at Compton Dando. It felt good to be back with a group nearer to the normal size for our Tuesday walk. So, everyone appeared in high spirits as we set off towards the bridge over the River Chew, situated at the end of the village. A Grey Wagtail was quickly spotted as it perched on a branch over the river and immediately there was a shout of ‘Kingfisher’ from those looking up the river. Those of us who missed it did not have to wait long as we had three further sightings from the same spot and there were four different birds in total. A brilliant start. There was also a pair of Blue Tits behaving rather like Flycatchers as they hunted for insects. Rather reluctantly we left the bridge and made our way across the fields. We had a reasonable view of a Goldcrest and a Moorhen on the edge of the river.  We also added Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock and Blackcap to our list. As we crossed the very pleasant meadows, we saw a Buzzard and a Lesser Black-backed Gull and were then treated to the sight of a Sparrowhawk flying quite close to us. As we approached Woollard two Mistle Thrushes were feeding in a field alongside the alpacas. In Woollard we saw Collared Dove and Swallow and a bit later Green Woodpecker, Mallard and Grey Heron. On the return leg as we left the woods, we had a sighting of a Red Kite. Interestingly this was almost at the same spot that we saw a Red Kite on the October 2020 walk. Many thanks to Nick Hawkridge for keeping a list of species seen, or heard. The total for the walk was a respectable 34 and included an estimated eight Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 16 Blackcaps, eleven Wrens and twelve Goldfinches.  (Thanks to Mike for leading)                                                                                  Mike Landen

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