Field trip reports

Sixteen of us met at the church in Tickenham and we couldn’t have wished for a better day for autumn birdwatching. Crisp and cool with a beautiful blue sky. Even waiting by the cars we got off to a good start with a Buzzard, a Grey Heron and a Song Thrush. We set off on the climb to Cadbury Camp accompanied by the songs of Robins and various Tits. The Camp is the perfect place to stop for a cuppa and admire the amazing views out over the countryside to the Severn Estuary, Flat Holm and Wales in the far distance. Up there we saw Swallows and a Raven. Descending from the Camp we entered a wooded patch where we saw a Wren, a Coal Tit, three Goldcrests and my favourite for the day – a Spotted Flycatcher, with a good view of it perched and then fluttering out to find food. Heading back to Tickenham we saw the typical Corvids and Pigeons plus a flock of 33 Starlings (most of our birds were ones or twos), two Mallards and last but not least, a Chiffchaff. Total species seen or heard was Thanks to Alan for keeping the bird count and to Lois and Jan for leading the walk for us. Graham Bennett

We had a break from the recent rain and very strong winds, with lots of warm, sunny spells although in the open fields a noticeable breeze. The attendance today was 21 members and the circular walk was largely flat with gently sloping sections; the route included woodland and hedges, but the majority at field margins, the fields occasionally with uncut maize but mostly bare. We observed or heard a wide range of birdlife and some other wildlife too. From the very start of the walk a Raven was spotted, soon after there was a glimpse of a Stoat, Robin, Jackdaw, Red Kite but at long distance, and (several times through the walk) a flock of Linnets. Two Roe Deer ran across a bare field, followed by lots of Carrion Crows in the far distance and our first spot of two Red Kites nearby apparently effortlessly watching ground beneath and perhaps on occasion landing at something of interest. While still in open fields we observed and heard Skylark and Swallows and then alongside hedgerows, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest. Walking past a wooded area, Nuthatch, more Chiffchaff, Robin, Long-tailed Tit. The last section of the walk, alongside hedgerows on slightly higher ground, we saw more Red Kites, a Buzzard, Dunnock and House Sparrow, Stonechat and perhaps the best had been saved to last: a Yellowhammer bathing in a rare puddle – fantastic. Thanks to Graham and Caron for leading the walk and to Alistair for recording the day’s ‘bird list’! Gary Prosser

A total of 20 of us, including four families and one student member, met on a grey day at RSPB Newport Wetlands. Fortunately, the rain held off and we had an enjoyable morning with some enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, young birdwatchers. There were Blue Tits and Great Tits on the feeders by the entrance, and a Moorhen in the reeds. At the bridge in the reedbeds we heard five Cetti’s Warblers, and saw Little Grebe and Kingfisher. A Cormorant was looking out from a pylon, and four Swallows flew over. At the coast there were 60 Curlews in the distance, but we all had good views through the scopes. There were two Shelducks and a flock of 30 Golden Plovers. From the hide we had excellent views of two Great White Egrets, a second Little Grebe, and a female Wigeon. On the return leg there were two Stonechats, 14 Long-tailed Tits, and Chiffchaff and Dunnock were heard. The feeders at the Centre were busier, with three Greenfinches, and six Goldfinches. 29 species in all. Many thanks to Robin for organising and leading. Gareth Roberts

On a warm and sunny morning, 30 members convened at Bitton Station to begin their walk along the former railway line toward Oldland Common. Early observations included a Raven perched on a pylon, an approachable Robin, and two Red Kites soaring in the distance. During the descent through woodland into Willsbridge Valley, bird activity was audible though sightings were initially limited. Notable observations included a Grey Wagtail on the bank of Siston Brook, as well as Goldcrest, Treecreeper, and several tit species. A mid-morning break for coffee took place near the wildlife ponds at Willsbridge Mill before the group continued on the opposite side of the valley, where some participants were able to observe a Kingfisher, a Green Woodpecker and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Upon leaving the nature reserve, the walk proceeded past St Anne’s Church, traversed two historic stone bridges, and continued alongside Siston Brook towards Cadbury Heath. The return to Bitton followed the route of the old railway track. In total, 26 bird species were recorded (thanks to Celia for leading). Celia Mosley

Well, the weather certainly changed to autumnal for our walk. Eleven members arrived to grey overcast skies with occasional drizzle. The first part of our walk seemed disappointing with mostly Woodpigeons and corvids. As we progressed sightings improved, a distant Corn Bunting on a farm building and Swallows hunting insects around the trees cheered us up. On our approach to Rushmead Lane two Buzzards and a Kestrel were out looking for food. In the fields adjacent to the lane were six Wheatears and a number of Pied Wagtail. Further along, a pair of Stonechat showed well on the bramble plus a Red Kite circling. Retracing our steps we were treated to Yellow Wagtails which were a real bonus. Altogether 30 species were seen. Many thanks to all for coming (and to Chris for leading). Chris Perry

Sodbury Common is always a magnet for migrating passerines, with late August known for its maximum passage.  But what about when it‘s windy?  Twelve of us, including a very welcome new member, left Chipping Sodbury to walk the drive that leads to the golf course.  20 House Sparrows, a Chiffchaff and a Collared Dove were followed by our first Swallow before a Green Woodpecker broke cover to fly overhead, conveniently alighting on a nearby telegraph pole affording excellent views for all.  Once on the Common it took a while to get our eyes in.  A couple of calling birds were just not showing in the bluster of the wind but a Bullfinch flew, a Blackcap showed, and two Greenfinches passed over.  A female Redstart was briefly sighted but then persisted in calling unseen from low in a bush.  Passing Herring Gulls and a Buzzard were easily noted, until a small charm of Goldfinches was seen feeding on knapweed.  Now past midpoint, a Whinchat perched atop a Hawthorn bush, then further on another in a Dog Rose tangle, accompanying a Whitethroat and a Linnet.  We approached the cattle but nothing was flushed by their hooves until our tail-enders caught sight of a single Yellow Wagtail.  Two Skylarks were flushed from the now windswept grassland as we returned towards town to see 40 or so aerial Jackdaws, giving us a total of 30 species. Thanks to Alan for keeping score and to Peter for leading Mike Jackson

After weeks of warm and dry weather, the forecast was for wind and rain. Nevertheless 17 turned up for this summer holiday meeting, including seven children and students, from four families. We met just before high tide and spent some time at New Passage looking at the waders, some quite distant. A flock of 120 Ringed Plovers put on a good flying display, together with 80 Oystercatchers, and 180 Black-headed Gulls. There were 80 Curlews on the salt marsh, one of which turned out to be a Whimbrel on review of a photograph. Closer in, around the creek, were Canada Geese, a Little Egret, ten Redshanks, and a Common Sandpiper. Walking to the wetland area we passed a bush with 25 Goldfinches, and ten Linnets were seen. At the first pool were Gadwall and ten Teal, a Grey Heron, and four Black-tailed Godwits. 120 Starlings were in the field behind. An enjoyable morning, and the rain held off until the end. Thanks to Robin for leading, and to Graham for keeping the bird list. 37 species in all. Gareth Roberts

The first part of the walk took place on a series of paths and trackways, including one “secret passageway”, enclosed on both sides with high stone walls, where we could not be seen, which felt rather mysterious. As 15 of us crossed fields, butterflies were in abundance, including the Green-veined White, and branches were bowing under the weight of autumn fruit, including heavy crops of sloe. Moving on past the church and through a wooded area, we heard Green Woodpeckers and the ubiquitous Chiffchaff. Sadly, Monk’s Pool had completely dried up. Graham’s marketing for this meeting promised “camaraderie and connection”. Interesting that he didn’t promise any birds! In fact by this point he was concerned that we were going to see the fewest number of birds ever. However, Jean soon made a dramatic observation – a Peregrine sitting motionless on top of a pylon just yards away, as we were crossing a footbridge. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our walk, especially when viewed through a ‘scope. A couple of Ravens were also seen around this point. Soon afterwards we found the rare Scarlet Clover, a lucky survivor in the recently cut flower meadow. Towards the end of the walk a large group of Jackdaws and Rooks were noted. Reputations were restored when the final count reached 21 species. Thanks to Peter for a wonderful walk Jan Jones

Twenty-seven of us, including new member Ian, set off from the car park at Tyntesfield on this new-to-BOC three mile walk. Initially, we heard more than we saw including Nuthatch, Jay, Buzzards and a Great Spotted Woodpecker chipping away. Jean introduced us to a “Chicken of the woods” fungus to sniff and pass around!  Walking past the emus (or were they rheas?) and a surprising wallaby, we crossed into fields to find a number of Crows and Wood Pigeons, a few Swallows and a couple of House Martins flying overhead. A Green Woodpecker was spotted. During early coffee break we watched a mixed species flock of 150, mainly Jackdaws with some Crows, rise up to reveal a Buzzard and the first of our day’s two Ravens. Continuing along the river Yeo towards Watercress Farm, we saw, amongst others, Kestrel, Wheatear, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Grey Heron, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and two Little Egrets. Roe deer were seen in a distant field. A Common Darter dragonfly was identified. Taking the bridle path back to Tyntesfield, we were treated to a sighting of four to six Spotted Flycatchers as our final and, in my opinion, the best birds of the day.  Total species seen or heard was 31.  Thanks to Alastair for keeping the bird count and to Jean for leading and sharing this fine walk with us. Sarah Neale

The eleven members who gathered on this hot and sunny morning were a good mix of new birders and old wader hands.  We set off past the Land Yeo where a Moorhen fussed over her two chicks and on to the edge of the Pill where the tide, barely halfway up, still exposed a wide expanse of creeks and salt marsh.  We spent some time scanning through Herring and Black-headed Gulls, picking out an Oystercatcher, a couple of Curlews, a Common Sandpiper and a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  A couple of members spotted a Kingfisher shooting away up a creek.  On round to the sluice where the creeks were full of Mallard and the Blind Yeo produced two more Moorhens.  On the shoreline again, we settled onto a block of concrete to scan the long offshore line of Blackstone Rocks, shrinking rapidly as the tide rose but still holding a Grey Heron, two Little Egrets, plenty of Oystercatchers and Curlews and half a dozen Turnstones.  A flock of small waders dropped onto the shore, giving us great views of Dunlin and Ringed Plover, and took off again just as a Sparrowhawk shot past low over the grass.  Strolling on south, we practised our ID skills on bird silhouettes along the fence line in the harsh sunlight.  Most proved to be Linnets but we were delighted to find a foraging Whinchat.  Sharp-eared John twice heard a Yellow Wagtail calling in flight but we were unable to locate it.  Dowlais Pool was completely dry and the litoral was fairly birdless until we reached the two farm gates overlooking the River Kenn with the tide now full.  We spent the rest of our time scanning the roost which produced 32 mostly adult Shelducks, another 65 Mallard, 28 Oystercatchers, three Whimbrel, amongst 43 Curlew, 115 Redshanks, a Ringed Plover (and John claims a Little Ringed Plover that promptly slipped out of sight).  A Peregrine dived through, scattering the waders before climbing off high over the sea.  As the tide started to fall, people began to drift back to Clevedon, but the last three diehards found 13 Ringed Plovers roosting quietly on the first bit of exposed mud, a Pied Wagtail back at the Pill, and 20 Swallows on telegraph wires in Clevedon.  My particular thanks to John Lewis for list-keeping (total: 34 species) and to all who carried telescopes all the way down to the roost and shared them for a good look at the waders.  (Thanks to Jane for leading.) Jane Cumming