Field trip reports

A good turnout of 41 walkers on this very foggy and chilly day headed out along the Severn Way for 500m before returning. Walking to the Severn Way and passing some houses, we observed the typical birds in the hedgerows including Goldfinches. Scopes and tripods ready we arrived at the information sign for the start of our morning field trip. We had a great high tide at 10:46 (12.34 m). Initially, the estuary had poor visibility with the “new” M4 bridge barely visible, but this improved over time with the M48 bridge eventually making an appearance. The saltmarsh “is an international service station for migrating and wintering shorebirds. The mudflats and saltmarsh of the Severn estuary provide valuable food and a site to rest, more than 240 species have been recorded here”. Walking along the top of the sea defences we could look over the estuary and mudflats to the north and wetland pools and reed beds to the south. Redshanks on the edge of the rising tide Shelduck, Shoveler, Wigeon and Gadwall easily spotted in groups in the mist of the mudflats. We were then pleasantly surprised to see a flock of Sand Martins flying over us. The final count recorded to BirdTrack, concluded we had seen 51 species. With the bird of the day possibly seeing the Little Gull which fluttered around for a while showing very well. Finally, many thanks to Jane for leading the trip. Vernon Holmes

We started with a short talk about the farm history. In the ‘80s the owners commenced initiatives to aid environmental programmes including wildlife etc. We then had a “ramble” around the farm. Birdseed is sprinkled daily on the tracks to attract finches and Chaffinches and Yellowhammers were seen. They started a vegetable growing project two years ago with “no dig, no fertiliser”. They now supply vegetable boxes to local restaurants. There is a field with many square metres of plants allowed to go to seed which attracts the Goldfinch and Linnet. Mistle Thrush and Red Kite was seen in this area. They have several Barn Owl boxes placed on the wood boundary. They also have Kestrel boxes; both species have successfully bred. We witnessed a Kestrel flying. Then we walked past what is known as “Corvid Wood” In the distance we could see the roof of Southmead hospital!! They have “Low stock” grazing by cattle in the summer. Every field is managed differently to maintain diversity. They have four beehives. We saw a Hare – always a delight plus Buzzards soaring on the thermals, heard Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker. We then walked along the road to Compton Dando Sewage Works where we saw a Grey Wagtail and a Brimstone Butterfly. Then the long uphill road back to the farm. 31 species and 31 walkers. Thanks to Philippa for a lovely guided tour. Trudy Sheen

Nineteen birders gathered at the National Trust car park. We walked up to the ridge and along to the point in a low wind with the sun trying to emerge from behind the clouds. We saw a group of about thirty Shelducks on the shoreline below us together with a lone Curlew. Walking back from the point, the sun emerged and several Skylarks celebrated in song. We enjoyed seeing a pair of Stonechats skipping from tuft to tuft, several Meadow Pipits and the brief appearance of a shy Rock Pipit. Stopping for tea at a small cove we were lucky to see two Porpoises very close in while a Peregrine put in a brief appearance overhead. We walked about as far as we could go along the spine of the hill to a position which overlooked a small inlet (Woodspring Bay) and paused for our picnic break. A keen observer spotted two groups of Redshanks skulking in vegetation near the shoreline. Two Kestrels hovered close overhead whilst a couple of Mute Swans could be seen in the distance. The weather was beautiful on our uneventful sunny stroll, back to the car park, with the clouds kindly delaying their gathering until we packed our things for departure. 33 species were recorded in total. Thanks to Caron and Graham for leading. Adam Jenner

Fifteen members met at Parkend Green, and spent the first half an hour searching for Hawfinches. After a little time, three were spotted in the canopy of a distant tree, before they all flew off. A short ramble around Parkend produced some lovely sightings of Nuthatches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, and several Song Thrushes. Two Siskins were also seen – perching, then flying off. Upon return to the cars, we were treated to an excellent view of a Bullfinch. Then, a short stop for lunch at an atmospherically foggy New Fancy View, where an additional two members joined us. We were lucky even to see a Buzzard as well as another Mistle Thrush, and a Bullfinch. Finally, to Cannop Ponds, where there were two Marsh Tits in a mixed flock feeding by the car park. On our way round the Ponds, we saw Mandarin Duck, Goosander, Firecrest, a Treecreeper, a particularly brave Raven, along with Grey and Pied Wagtails. No Goshawk seen, mainly due to the fog, but all in all, a rather successful day of birding! Thank you to Robert for leading, and to David for driving so many members from Bristol. Fin Latcham

Twenty-six people set off on a mild spring day for a very pleasant three mile walk through lanes and fields between Kelston and the River Avon. After passing Bath Soft Cheese factory our first bird was a loud, but invisible Song Thrush. We followed a stream downhill with many tufa deposits forming small waterfalls next to a hedge with primroses, snowdrops and hazel catkins indicating spring had arrived at last. On the opposite bank of the River Avon to the Jolly Sailor pub, we passed four photogenic alpacas and two donkeys. We then followed the footpath by the river seeing some hybrid ducks, Moorhen, Mute Swans and three Greenfinches before scanning the Saltford rocks on Mead Lane hoping to see Little Owls – which we didn’t. We saw a pair of Kingfishers in the overhanging branches of the trees on the river bank just west of the old railway/cycle path bridge. Also in the trees were four Cormorants drying off in the weak sunshine. Pausing opposite the Riverside Inn, we watched a Buzzard overhead, heard Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and saw some rabbits by the hedgerow. In all 31 species were seen or heard. We then followed the farm track back the Bath Soft Cheese Cafe where some of us sat outside to have coffees and lunch. A very pleasant end to the walk. Thanks to Caron and Graham for leading. Alison Griffies

Seventeen walkers started off from the White Hart in very muddy conditions. Crows, Rooks, gulls, Great Tit, Blue Tit and a handsome pair of Blackbird were present. Down the lane towards the estuary we enjoyed a Redwing, Fieldfare and Starling spectacular. We proceeded to the water for our coffee stop past the Moorhens mooching round a pond, and on to see 30(ish) Teal bobbing, Pied Wagtails strutting and Black-headed Gulls soaring. The odd Greenfinch darted past and 20 Goldfinch charmed us as they passed. Onwards along the ridge to be greeted by Skylark and an unexpected fly past of around 90 Curlew; Wigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Stonechat and Meadow Pipit were also noted. All in all, it was a lovely day for birding despite the soggy conditions, many thanks to all who attended. A total of 39 species was recorded. (Thanks to Graham for leading) Rach Sharvell-Smith

It was cold and breezy as 15 of us met up in Tanners Lane at the start of a productive walk around Marshfield. A Buzzard perched briefly as we walked up the small lane enjoying views of Skylarks and a solitary Redwing in the field. Up Northfield Lane, very little was seen except for a few Fieldfares and Common Gulls in the horse field. A distant dumpy bird near the farm may have been a Corn Bunting; Chaffinches and Meadow Pipits were flitting about nearby. Things brightened up when we got to Rushmead Lane with several hundred Fieldfares seen alongside Starlings in a distant field. Closer to the road were eight Yellowhammers and (later) two Stonechats; a passing Buzzard put up a flock of Lapwings and two Ravens were also overhead. A hedgerow near the T-junction with Tormarton Road was filled with ‘little brown jobs’ that took some time to sort out. We identified several Redwings, up to 15 Corn Buntings, five Goldfinches, two Dunnocks and a female Reed Bunting. A Red Kite was seen on the route back to the village. 30 species in all. Thanks to Nigel and Sue for leading. Peter Bryant

Seven of us turned up at Ham Wall car park with another member joining us part way. A very wet and windyafternoon but plenty of birds nonetheless, 39 species in total. We headed out to Shapwick Heath NNR where we paid a visit to Tower Hide and then Noah’s Hide where we saw Pintail and plenty of other ducks, alas the American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal which were reportedly hanging around there eluded us! We then came back to RSPB. Ham Wall NNR where the first viewing platform gave us views of Marsh Harrier and Great White Egret, with a good few Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings hunkering down in the rain and windy conditions. We observed the Starling murmuration from the second viewing platform. A good few hundred thousand Starlings came in to roost. We had a wonderful display, although a little bit distant in the main, some were coming right over our heads and we witnessed a Peregrine Falcon picking a Starling off and taking it down for a well-earned supper. As darkness fell, we returned to our cars, very much soaked but happy. Thanks to all who braved the conditions for a good afternoon’s birding. (Thanks to Elaine and Nick for leading.) Elaine Lambert

The weather was cloudy at the start and the rain held off until around midday. This was a combined BOC andYoung Persons field trip in conjunction with Tish from Avon Wildlife Trust. We were delighted to welcome sixyounger persons to join with a few BOC regulars. We started from the entrance on Thingwall Park and scanned the trees and bushes on the way into the park where we saw a single Redwing. There were also singing Song Thrush as we headed to the lake. One of the highlights was to see seven Great Spotted Woodpeckers with close views of them drumming on a large Oak tree. At the lake we had good views of Kingfisher, and it was lovely to see a female Tawny Owl roosting in her nest box. We then headed up a small hill and had excellent views of Goldcrest and a single Firecrest. The rain started to get heavier, so we walked up the river and saw Grey Wagtail and heard Green Woodpecker before returning to where we started. 41 species were seen or heard, and it was good to see the younger persons p icking up some species with their superior vision and hearing! Thanks to Rich for leading and Tish for organising some of the younger contingent. Robin Martin

Our group of 13 birders set out from the car park at Tortworth under skies that seemed less than promising. It was the first time since 2004 that we’d taken this route! Although the weather was milder than usual, heavy clouds threatened rain; fortunately, we only experienced a brief light shower. Despite the conditions, our efforts were rewarded with an impressive list of birds. Winter thrushes were abundant, with multiple flocks of Fieldfares estimated to number over a hundred. Their distinctive “chacker chack chack” calls rang out clearly. Redwings were also present in large numbers, seen hopping among the trees and flying between them. We spotted several Stock Doves in flight—noticeably more direct than Woodpigeon, lacking white markings and sporting dark fringes on their wings. Following our refreshment break along the Little Avon river, we observed a remarkable flock of around 30 Siskins feeding high in an Alder tree by the riverbank. Even more exciting, they were joined by another group of about ten, making it easily the largest gathering of Siskin I have ever witnessed. Birds of prey were scarce, with just a single Buzzard sighted, but our total species count reached 32 – surpassing most expectations at the start. Thank you to Alan for tracking the bird count and to Graham for leading our walk. Graham Bennett