Field trip reports

Waking to battering rain and wind, I did not expect to be leading ten waterproofed birders around the tanks, including Vanessa, new to birding and the Club. The decision not to take a scope was easy, but I was glad that the relative shelter of the trees, at the top of the steps of Tank 3, allowed more robust kit than mine to be deployed by others. Through these we got our first glimpse of the overwintering Black-throated Diver. Reported as a juvenile in mid November 2019, the plumage now looked in fine shape. Walking clockwise round the tank we found the battering head wind was no deterrent to the flight of the Common Sandpiper that we flushed from its roost beside a pair of Teal. Coot moved over and away from us, save one further out, which made a useful marker for everyone to get a first sighting of the Great Northern Diver. This too arrived in November 2019. It was reported as a first winter and at first had fishing line fouling its beak but thankfully it seems to have shed this now. Having fought our way round the tank the shelter of the trees was most welcome as was a pair of Common Sandpiper, a Pied and Grey Wagtail and a really close view of the Black-throated Diver. For the finale, we crossed over to Tanks 1 and 2. There we could see a patch of over 100 Cormorants, snoozing along the tank edge, their white breeding patches brightly contrasting the black feathers. With the wind now a whisper of its earlier force, all scopes were arrayed and found, eventually, the Long-tailed Duck. This too was another November 2019 import, spending its time showing off its splendid male plumage to one, in fact any female, Tufted Duck. The total for the morning was 32 species. (Thanks Nick) Nick Hawkridge

After a brief shower of rain 18 of us set off to walk around the lake. The Gadwall pairs were the highlight, amongst the usual gulls, Mallard, Tufted Ducks, Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Moorhens and Coots. Two of the six Cormorants in the willow on the island flew off. The path to Youngwood Lane was muddy and the lane was underwater in places. The next mile gave us 42 Redwings, two Jays, several Buzzards, a pair of Kestrels, and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers – very much a couple! We saw Goldfinches in the wooded area, but no Siskins this time. We did however see 13 Dunnocks and four Chaffinches on the walk. There was plenty of bird song: tits, Wrens, Robins, a Blackcap, a Song Thrush and a Skylark. The birds obviously consider it is Spring! At Engine Lane the group split, some preferring the road to the very muddy track back to the cars. At least the sun briefly showed itself, and we had no more rain. The species count was 34. (Thanks to Sue and John for leading – Ed). Sue Prince

Early February with lots of sunshine ensured that Harbourside and Clifton were looking good for the 27 members who assembled for this regular winter – virtually mud free – Tuesday walk. As usual we set off across the Pero’s Bridge and followed the Floating Harbour past M Shed. There were plenty of Black-headed and Herring Gulls on the water, a couple of Cormorants and some Moorhens. The Cumberland Road flats were encased in scaffolding but the buddleia and brambles outside their back gardens yielded House Sparrows and a male Blackcap. Carrion Crows, Starlings and Robins were also seen. Mute Swans, Ravens and Mallards enlivened our coffee stop after which we continued to the Underfall Yard and then on to a deserted Cumberland Road, which is closed after the recent collapse of part of the riverbank. Goldfinch and Grey Wagtail were added to our list at the Create Centre and, because of Metrobus diversion owing to the road closure, we were able to spend time viewing from both sides of the Metro Bridge from which Redshank and Common Sandpiper were seen by most. More Redshank, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls were on view as we looked down river towards the Suspension Bridge, before our return route to the bottom of Jacob’s Wells Road. From here ten of us took on the first and only hill of the day climbing up Brandon Hill. Jackdaw, Redwing, Wren, Greenfinch, Collared Dove and Great Tit were added to the list making a total of 29 species. (Thanks to Margaret and Nancy forleading) Nancy Barrett

The weather mitigated against a large turnout, so 16 on a blustery cold day wasn’t bad. We left the clubhouse with the wind pushing us along, as it was the two or three Cormorants and Grey Herons. A Sparrowhawk was circling, as normal, but pushed across the sky and out of sight in seconds. A single Redwing posed for a picture, others broke cover as we walked on and some saw a few Fieldfares mixed in. The water hazards on the golf course hosted 20 plus Canada Goose and we found the wind driven Herons in the company of squabbling Moorhens. A few Blue and Great Tits called, as did a Bullfinch but it remained concealed in the scrub. At the top of the lane we peered into the orchard to observe some Redwings that were feeding on last year’s fallen fruit. There were, at most, two Fieldfares around the base of the trees but they were hard to find. As we basked in the sun at the coffee stop a Jay flew into the railway embankment shrubs – all I saw was the white flash of the rump. Stopping briefly to acquaint those new to this walk with the history board at the Ram Hill pit head, we heard the call of Green and Goldfinches. Intel received before we set off said that our normal route along Broad Lane as far as Westerleigh was flooded, so we branched off towards Elm Farm. The hedges bordering the woods have had Yellowhammer but, alas, not today, our only bird being a lone Buzzard. Coming down the hill towards Bitterwell Lake a Coal Tit was heard, a couple of Moorhens and a few Mallards swam on the fisherman infested water. A total of 32 species were recorded. (Thanks to Pat and Duncan for leading) Nick Hawkridge

A group of over 30 members congregated in Snuff Mills car park for our walk. The weather was dry and cold but sunny. As we entered the Frome Valley walkway, we saw Goldcrest, Stock Dove, Long-tailed Tit, and various corvids including Crow (35), Jackdaw (30) and Magpie (eleven). As the group started to elongate members were spotting Goldfinches (42 in total during the walk), more Long-tailed Tits, and Nuthatch. From a little bridge over a tributary of the Frome we watched a Grey Wagtail. The light was good at this point so the distinctive yellow was highly visible. Moving on we reached Eastville Park lake where the highlights were Kingfisher and the resident Tawny Owl. At one point, a Kingfisher was sitting very openly in profile on a low branch by one of the islands, which made it easy to see. For most of the time the Tawny Owl was rather sleepily perched in the entrance to the owl box, However, just as most people were moving off, a shaft of sunlight came through, and a few of us were treated to a wonderful view of the owl’s full head as it bent down as if to catch the warmth of the sunlight. Other species observed included Cormorant, Black-headed Gulls (68), a Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron and six Mute Swans. During the second half of the walk the weather worsened bringing hail and cold wind. We passed through Ridgeway Park Jewish Cemetery where a few lucky folk saw Bullfinch and Green Woodpecker. At this point the weather was unpleasant so the group split and some people decided to head back to the car park. Those of us who braved the cold wet conditions were rewarded with a lovely sighting of two Dippers in a tiny stream that feeds down into the Frome. What a delight to see these beautiful birds in an urban setting. Other highlights include Greenfinch, Treecreeper, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Blackcap, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. We were hoping to see Ring-necked Parakeet but, alas, that was not to be. Total bird species count was 40. Many thanks to Richard for leading this urban walk which never fails to delight. Linda Moysey

The group met at 10:00 on a foggy cold day with the sun having little impact on the temperature. Geoff Harris was unable to lead so Nick Hawkridge and Mark Watson stepped up. We set off looking for the Dipper but it was not about, so instead we took the opportunity of looking at the 1968 high water levels marked on the walls. Slowly we added species to our list and were pleased to see 22 Long-Tailed Tits and at coffee break a Skylark was heard. Later additions included Nuthatch, Treecreeper and 40 plus Redwings. The sun finally broke through just before we returned to the cars and some warmth seeped into cold bones. Thanks to Nick and Mark for an enjoyable morning. Beth Yates

On a bright sunlit morning, 17 muffled figures met in the layby in Marshfield. Health and Safety was on everyone’s mind as we sallied forth. Hazards included many frozen puddles, rutted frozen ground and lack of attention! The first distraction was a pair of Stonechat, busy with seed heads and keeping an eye on us. Along Northfield Lane beside the horses a lone Rook flew past and at the top of a tree a pair of Fieldfares was finally identified. A variety of small birds including Meadow Pipit, Yellowhammer and Linnet were seen in front of the barns. The Skylark feeding in the furrows gave us a lot of trouble with their identification, but scores of them, who were soaring, chasing and singing, were not a problem. The “jangle of keys” song alerted us to Corn Bunting but this blunt beaked ugly was hard to find, whereas the Yellowhammer glowed in the sun and one female called from above us as we watched a Kestrel hiding among perched Woodpigeon. As we scanned the power lines above Rushmead Farm to count the Starlings, a vast flock of predominantly Linnets was spotted bounding through the air. At this point we broke for coffee. Refreshed and warmed we followed Rushmead Lane back towards the village. We passed more Stock Doves, Stonechat, spotted a Song Thrush with three Blackbirds, a singing Chaffinch and finally Raven, both calling as they flew over. What a splendid day to be out, with a final count of 30 species. (Thanks to Nick for leading – Ed). Nick Hawkridge

The weather was damp and overcast and the forecast was for rain as ten of us set off around Cheddar Reservoir. Very wet and muddy conditions prevented us from visiting the levels to the south of the reservoir as planned. We were greeted by about 750 Coot as we crested the path, a regular sight at this venue. As we walked on about 60 Black-headed Gulls, 30 Great Crested Grebes, a small contingent of Tufted Ducks (15) and a handful of Cormorants and Shovelers were seen. We added a couple of Herring Gulls, a solitary Common Gull, three Pochards, six Mallards and a Grey Heron by the time we returned to the car park. Other species we saw around the reservoir included Blackbird, Pied Wagtail (yarrellii) Long-tailed Tit and Starling. Happily the rain held off apart from some occasional light drizzle for the duration and a brisk walk with a bracing wind was good for our health. Thanks to Nick Hawkridge for keeping a record of the 22 species seen. (Thanks to Mark for leading- Ed). Mark Watson

Just five people arrived at the Upper Up car park outside South Cerney correctly attired in wellington boots and waterproofs. The rain actually stopped as we started off across the playing field towards the Shorncote Reedbed, pausing to watch Redwing, Fieldfare and Song Thrush. As we reached the flooded section of the path we “lucked” onto the Lesser Whitethroat (possibly of the Eastern race blythi) which was already being watched by three other birders who had been waiting two hours to see it. The pits by the hides were quiet with the best being a flock of 150 Lapwings as we walked back to the cars. After a short drive to Neigh Bridge, the sun was shining as we set off again along the Thames Path examining Pits 44 -Red-crested Pochards; 65 – many Coots; 57 – Shovelers and Common Gull before a larger flock of 450 Lapwings flew over us. The Thames was high although in summer 2019 it had completely dried out in this section. We paused by Pit 38 to nibble some food while watching Goosander and Goldeneye and then crossed some damp tussocky grass to Pit 29, flushing three Snipes in the process. There was no sign of any Smew (the UK numbers this winter are approximately 75% down from the previous year) but more Red-crested Pochard were found with two Little Grebes. The return route through Somerford Keynes provided some garden birds for the list. We were only able to cover two small sections of the whole CWP but it did provide a glimpse of what can be seen, especially if you want a very flat walk. A good time was had by all with 42 species seen. (Thanks to Keith for leading – Ed) Keith Williams

34 members met at Herons Green on a rather windy and overcast morning. Water levels in the lake were high but we saw several egrets (three Great White Egret and one Little Egret), and a female Goldeneye. On our return to the lake at lunchtime we spotted four female and two male Goosanders, as well as 17 Great Crested Grebes. There were two Little Grebes in the pool across the road. As we walked the lanes up to Breach Hill we disturbed small parties of Redwings, 26 birds in total, and three Fieldfares, as well as the usual small birds, Wren, Robin, Blackbirds, Pied Wagtail, and a pair of Collared Doves. The hedges were much cut back with no berries! A Great Spotted Woodpecker “chipped” from the wood, and a couple of Goldcrests were seen. A Teal was eventually found in the usual place at the edge of Blagdon Lake. At the Ubley Trout hatchery we had Jay, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, and Treecreeper. A group of Chaffinches was feeding around some farm machinery and Grey and Pied Wagtail were seen together on a roof. The only raptors seen on the walk were two Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier as we left the lake just before 10:00 (unfortunately, not seen by many). The rain held off and everyone seemed to enjoy the scenery, especially views of Blagdon Lake from the Common. 52 species were counted. (Thanks to Sue and John for leading – Ed). Sue Prince