Field trip reports

A thirty strong group of Tuesday walkers met with a few grumbles about the rain which, according to virtually allforecasts, should have been falling farther to the east for this pre-Christmas lunch walk. The rain continued to all for the first hour of the walk but in spite of it those with water defying binoculars and wipers on their specs’ managed to add Long tailed, Blue and Great Tits, Goldfinch, Jay, Redwing and Reed Bunting to our list. Although the walk was shorter than usual, we still had a coffee break in the Temple above the lake, en route to which some caught sight of a Kingfisher. The lone Whooper Swan, four Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Teal, Cormorant and Greenfinch all put in an appearance and Goldcrest were heard. On the return journey Nuthatch, Song and Mistle Thrush, Rook, Buzzard, Coal Tit, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Black-headed, Herring and one Great Black-backed Gull brought our total to 39 species. Many thanks to Duncan and Pat for leading and getting us back at exactly the right time – though we did find some non-walkers had beaten us to the table. Nancy Barrett

On a wet and overcast day three members and the leader turned up in the hope of seeing the Starlings coming in to roost. The forecast was for heavy rain but thankfully this held off until we returned to our cars. Coal, Blue and Great Tit were on the feeders along with a Collared Dove and a Mute Swan and Mallards were on the pools along with a Moorhen. As we walked along to the first viewing platform Long-tailed Tits fed in the trackside bushes and trees. Coot were on the water to the right of the track with Gadwall and Shoveler, and many Tufted Ducks paddled about. In he distance a male and female Marsh Harrier were low over the reed beds and two Great White Egrets flew off. A couple of Greylag Geese also appeared. From the viewing platform we saw large numbers of Lapwings wading towards the far side of the pools. Numerous water birds including Gadwall, Pochard, Teal and Wigeon were around and a couple of Great Crested Grebe and a solitary Little Grebe were seen. The sky was grey as we moved on to the Avalon Hide where we had excellent views of both Marsh Harriers and Great White Egret fishing within ten metres of the hide. Canada Geese flew overhead and as the odd small flock of Starling was beginning to appear we moved back to the first viewing platform. The cloud base was low but we saw huge numbers of Starlings arriving to roost, some groups providing spectacular murmurations, whilst others dropped quickly onto the reeds noisily chattering amongst themselves. We saw 42 species in all and tens of thousands of Starlings. The RSPB estimate on 13 Dec. was about 200,000. (Many thanks Mark.) Mark Watson

As the tide rose to its mid-morning high, 31 members met on the beach at Uphill on a fine morning with a light westerly wind. This being a neap tide, there was plenty of exposed beach even at high water, and today there were fewer dog walkers causing disturbance along the tideline than is often the case so the waders were able to feed on the Weston side, giving us the opportunity to count them and search for anything unusual. Counts of Oystercatcher (48) and Curlew (33) were lower than I expected, but we found four Knot amongst some 250 Dunlin spread out across the mud, and picked up an Avocet sailing serenely amongst Shelducks through the grasses and shallow water off the Brean shore. A Marsh Harrier floated northwards over the marsh, flushing about 400 Lapwings off the fields, came closer to us for a great fly-by and then rose to disappear out over the estuary. Redshanks were well scattered but there were probably about 200 in total. One sharp-eyed member picked up two Snipe crouching in the marsh grass, and we noted duck counts of 65 Shelducks, 50 Mallards, 40 Wigeons and 200 Teal. A walk out across the marsh yielded very little, so we checked the pool by the marina, which had two Little Grebes on it (and on the return walk, a Kingfisher), then we headed out along the cliff face to look for a reported Black Redstart. Sure enough it was soon picked up flitting about amongst the sheep on the grassy section, being harried constantly by an energetic and indignant Robin. On to Walborough Hill for the views down the estuary and the chance to find a Little Egret, a few Canada Geese and 54 Mute Swans along the river, as well as four Roe Deer lying quietly in long grass. We added to the list all five of the commoner gull species, along with a selection of such land birds as Buzzard, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Goldcrest, various thrushes and a Raven, to reach a total of at least 46 species during a satisfyingly bird filled morning. (Many thanks Jane.) Jane Cumming

15 members set off from the car park on a cold and breezy day, having already listed Kestrel, Raven, Stonechat, Redwing, Fieldfare, Starlings, Pied Wagtail, Marsh Harrier and a large flock of distant Lapwing. On our way to the Mendip hide we saw Blackbird, Chaffinch, Mute Swan, Wren, Herring Gull and Reed Bunting. The water level in the scrapes seen from the hide was very low and most of what we saw was distant, including Shelduck, Marsh Harrier, Crow, Redshank, Meadow Pipits and Reed Bunting. We then walked on to look over the River Parrott (high tide) and could see distant Wigeon, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Mallards, Curlew and Little Egret. Walking to the Quantock hide we had a flock of some 60 Skylarks overhead. As usual, this hide was the most rewarding with large numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover, also Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Black-headed and Herring Gull. There were a few Snipe dotted about, but the high point was excellent views of a Merlin which perched obligingly on a gate post, giving all plenty of time to view it. Finally, we went on to the Polden hide then back to the car park for lunch, picking up House Sparrow, Moorhen, Great Tit, Dunnock, Greenfinch on the way. Throughout the morning we had large numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare moving around the reserve and the Kestrel was almost always in view. After lunch, eleven of us drove on to the Natural England car park (Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldcrest) and walked out to the Breach (Robin, flock of 20 Curlew). By now the sun was shining and we had good views of Reed Buntings showing well in a nearby shrub, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, two Rooks, Redshank, two Little Egrets and a distant large flock of Avocets. All in all, a very pleasant day, 45 species seen. Thanks to Richard for leading. Sue Kempson

The group of 13 gathered on a rather damp and overcast morning for the walk through Eastville Park. No damp spirits though, as a Goldcrest was soon spotted among the trees, a good start to the walk. On the bank of the river stood a Grey Heron, still as a statue, and on entering the open fields we saw a mixed flock of Blue Tits and Great Tits, with numerous Wood Pigeons settled in the branches above. Mallards were in the river, unperturbed by the strong current, and a flock of 23 Goldfinch flew overhead. Settled more sedately on the sodden playing field opposite were large numbers of Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons. The stunning autumn colours provided a fiery display against the grey skies. The carpet of bronze beneath our feet and the gentle downward drift of golden leaves was a glorious sight. Matching this glory, a Kingfisher was soon spotted, poised on a branch on the island, before taking off in a flash of brilliant blue. Most of the group also saw the Tawny Owl before it slipped down into the darkness of the nesting box. A group of nine Cormorants, perched high above kept silent watch as we enjoyed our coffee break. Mute Swans were being fed further up the lake and Black-headed Gulls joined in the scrabble for these morsels. As we rounded the lake the Kingfisher reappeared, a Chaffinch was spotted and further along the stream was a Grey Wagtail flitting among the rocks and a Dipper darted away. At this point the group split, with some choosing to follow the narrow path in the hope of seeing the Dipper again, while the remainder stayed on the main path. The Dipper remained elusive but both groups saw the Kingfisher again. Was this the same bird or were there two Kingfishers busy that morning? Other birds recorded included Jay, Wren, Magpie, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Robin. 28 species in all. Many thanks to Richard for leading the walk. Di Bunniss.

Twenty one of us met up on the cycle path, above the Bird in Hand, on a cool but pleasant morning. Flocks of Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits were busy in the trees about us but the only water bird to be seen was a Cormorant. We left the track and headed out across the seven stiles, the best section of the walk, On across the airfield we only met Blackbird and Robin. Oh dear. As we approached Avon Farm finally we had a few Redwing and a flock of Starlings. These were followed by some Pied Wagtails, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and Collared Dove. At the farm we met up with two more members who had seen Green Woodpecker. As we turned back to the cycle track some Raven passed overhead. We crossed to the south side of the cycle track, taking the path through the trees to avoid the deep flooded fields. Coming out we were cheered by Fieldfares and Skylarks as we went to the river. We then saw a Jay and a Buzzard. Along the river bank there were Song Thrush, Linnet and Goldfinches, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Meadow Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Finally there was a small flock of Siskins, more Fieldfares and Redwings in the trees. The weir was too fast for any birds, and apart from a group of Cormorants on the path to the sewage works pool little was seen. On the pool there was a Grey Heron, six Gadwall and a Moorhen. A Nuthatch called in the trees. In the fields towards the Jolly Sailor there was a flock of Gulls with two Common Gulls. Above the lock some Mallards rested on some thick flotsam. The last bird to be added to our list was a Rook flying over. In total 42 species. (Thanks to Robert for leading, Ed). Robert Hargreaves.

17 club members gathered at the new starting point for this walk, with access to Eastville Park along a footpath from Elmgrove Road in Thingwall Park. The weather was dull and overcast but the rain held off. As we entered the park we soon had Blackbird, Great Tit, Jay and Carrion Crow sighted. Looking across the valley we saw the spire of Stapleton Church and a grand view of two Peregrines perched on the side. We walked down to Fishponds Brook where we heard Blackbird and Robin calling. The walk took us along footpaths meandering through the estate where we saw more Jay, Raven, Blue Tit and Wren. We then headed towards Snuff Mills and Duchess Pond. Here, with the steady roar of traffic as accompaniment, we saw Moorhen, Coot, Mallard and a raptor in the distance being hassled by Crows. A Stonechat was busy fluttering up and down from among the thistles, fly catching. We sighted another Stonechat a bit further along, also busy feeding. As we rounded the far pond into a field we watched a spectacular display of aerial flight by two Peregrines. There was a flurry of feathers as one dived down for a Pigeon but seemed to have missed as he had no bird clutched in his talons. Walking back towards the Mill we saw a mixed flock of Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and Great Tits, and a busy chattering from the shrubs came from a charm of Goldfinch. A Grey Heron was poised in the River Frome, and later we also spotted Grey Wagtail. Our keen eyed leader managed to glimpse the Kingfisher although the rest of us missed it. At the lake a Sparrowhawk burst through a throng of pigeons sending them clamouring and flapping up into the air, but all survived. Black-headed Gulls, Cormorants, Mallards and Coot were on the lake, and another silent, motionless Heron stood among reeds in a corner. A large flock of Jackdaw flew above us as we left the pond to head back to the starting point. 34 species recorded. Thanks to Richard for leading and Nick and Alan for keeping the bird list. Di Bunnis

Over 30 club members attended this morning’s circular walk around the wetland habitats of the RSPB reserve on a dry calm day. Looking across the reed-bed and open water a good variety of ducks were present including Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal. Amongst a noisy flock of Lapwings were around 30 Black-tailed Godwits and small groups of flying Snipe. Great White and Little Egrets were scattered around and a distant group of 19 Egrets in a field turned out to be Cattle Egret. On the edge of a ditch a Grey Heron had caught a rather large Pike which it eventually managed to swallow much to the disappointment of three Crows who were hoping for some left over bits. A backdrop of sound was provided by singing Cetti’s Warblers and squealing Water Rails. Bearded Tits were heard and seen by one lucky observer. At the Avalon hide a Kingfisher flashed by. At least five Marsh Harriers including two males flew low over the reeds giving some good views. Two Sparrowhawks were seen including a perched bird which gave good scope views. The woodland and scrub areas held good numbers of mixed Tit flocks and amongst them were up to six Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was perched at the top of a bare tree with another seen in flight. Only a few Redwings were seen, feeding with Blackbirds in hawthorns, but no Fieldfares. The odd perched Buzzard was the only raptor seen in this habitat. Around 50 species were seen. (Thanks to Jeff for leading, Ed). Jeff Holmes.

Thirty-one members met at Slimbridge on a cold and damp morning. We set of towards the Robbie Garnett hide and being a large group split between the hides towards the Tower Hide to avoid overcrowding. On this part of the reserve we saw Shoveler, Lapwing, Mallard, Goosander, three Snipe and many Teal, Tufted Ducks and Wigeon. The strong wind discouraged small birds on the feeders but Blue Tit and House Sparrow braced the conditions. A male and female Pintail were amongst the throng and a few Berwick’s Swans were on the water’s edge on one of the pools near some Redshanks, and a Kestrel was out hunting. We moved on toward the Zeiss Hide seeing a Grey Heron and a couple of Little Egrets flying over. The wind made the Zeiss hide pretty chilly but we added White-fronted Goose, Common Gull, large flocks of Black-tailed Godwits, Golden Plovers and Dunlin in the middle distance. Five Pink-footed Geese on the edge of the Severn occasionally came into view. Knot and Ruff were also present in good numbers as were Coot and also a couple of Moorhens. We moved on to the Kingfisher Hide. Here we had clear views of two Barnacle Geese and the feeders were in use by Blue, Great, and Long-tailed Tits, and a Nuthatch. Several Curlew were on the wet meadows and just before we left the hide two Kingfishers put on an excellent display a few yards away to round off an enjoyable, if cold, visit. A total of 49 species were seen. (Thanks to Mark for leading, Ed). Mark Watson.