Field trip reports

Another baking hot day. 22 people set off across Clevedon Golf Course, pausing to let the golfers do their thing before we arrived at the cottages, where we found Swallows, House Sparrows, a Pied Wagtail and a Collared Dove. Once we got to the path leading to and along the estuary, we heard the first of several Blackcaps singing and saw Herring Gull on the shore, a Crow on the hedge and a Magpie. Butterflies started appearing – Gatekeepers, Whites, Meadow Browns, and a Small Skipper on Birdsfoot Trefoil. In the big field we saw Great and Blue Tits on the feeders in the adjoining garden, also adult and juvenile Robins. We heard Wren, Bullfinch, Goldfinches and Green Woodpecker, heard and saw Greenfinch, and there were two Marbled White butterflies. From the cliff path we spotted the odd Black-headed and Herring Gulls on the rocks – no Mallard this year – and Dunnock and Wood Pigeons beside the path. We continued along the cliff path, and up the field and track towards Walton Common. In the wood a Wren and a Blackcap sang and there was a juvenile Song Thrush just sitting in the grass. We had lunch in the shade at the edge of the Common and here Brown Hawker and Emperor dragonflies were seen and several outstandingly bright orange Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies, also a Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral. The flowers on the Common – mostly marjoram, St John’s wort and heath and ladies bedstraw – were gorgeous. At the quarry we found an Avon Wildlife Trust work group who were happy to answer questions about the Reserve, then we continued down to the road and up into the wood leading back to the golf course. Two separate Buzzards were spotted briefly, one Goldcrest, a Nuthatch and a Coal Tit were heard. At the end of the walk we had excellent views of a Treecreeper. 26 species was the total. (Thanks to Judy for leading – Ed). Judy Copeland

The walk goes from the car park by the old quarry, along the Combe then climbing to the top of the limestone escarpment, a short detour round Warren House and then a descent through the woods, passing the ancient settlement at Cleeve Toot. The morning started with a family of Green Woodpeckers flying over the car park and posing in a tree in the field opposite. The woodland in the Combe is quite dense with tall trees making bird sightings (apart from Robin, Blackbird and Wren) a challenge. However, the dawdlers at the back found a Marsh Tit with a Tawny Owl fly past. A Stock Dove could be heard in the trees above followed by the call of a second Marsh Tit further along the path. We had a stiff climb to an area of open pasture to find Bullfinch, more singing Blackcap and a flock of Swallow. Coal Tit and a Raven called in the woods. There was plenty of evidence of breeding with lots of young Robins and Thrushes with beaks of food. 31 species were seen or heard, not bad for the time of year. (Thanks to Alastair for leading – Ed). Alastair Fraser

22 members assembled at Cannop Ponds on a dry but humid evening. We crossed the causeway, passing a Pied Wagtail family on the picnic tables. Inspecting the top pond we saw a Common Sandpiper perching at the far end. Also on the pond were a Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mandarin, Tufted Duck, Mallard and ducklings. The male ducks were in eclipse. There was a Mute Swan on a nest on the bank with an egg plainly in sight. We moved through the woods, hearing Treecreeper, Jay and Wren, down to the lower pond. On this were more Coot, Mandarin and Mallard, also a number of Greylag Geese and another Mute Swan. A Grey Heron was on the bank and a Kingfisher was spotted perching on a branch on the far side before we got to the stone works. At the far end there was a Grey Wagtail on the fence next to the weir. At about 20:15 we set off for Speech House and met up with other members for the walk to Crabtree Hill. There was mention of wild boar being seen on the road. There was a Goldcrest amongst the conifers not far from the car park. More Blackcap and Wren sang from the woods. At Crabtree Hill, three Linnet were seen on the path, Stonechat including juveniles amongst the scrub and a number of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Some deer were seen including at least one Fallow Deer. As it became darker, the first of the Nightjars began churring and calling. Then up to four at a time were seen flying in front of the trees. One settled for a while on a known favourite perch, giving us good views in silhouette through ‘scopes. As it became darker, the Nightjars began flying in the open and came quite near – a most pleasing encounter. Two Woodcocks were also seen flying at separat e times. 34 bird species were seen or heard. Thanks very much to Mike for leading the walk. Alan Daniells

32 members set off – and another three did a same location/different route walk owing to a late arrival! It was one of those perfect English summer mornings, blue sky with lots of cumulus clouds, cool breeze, temperatures just right (unless you like it tropical). However, during the first half hour it did seem to be more of a butterfly, moth and wildflower walk with so many of the former seen on the flowers and brambles bordering the woodland ride. A Song Thrush was singing lustily and some of the other early “spots” (or whatever the audio equivalent of a “spot” is) included Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow and the first of the many Wrens and Blackcaps heard throughout the morning. On the more open bits of the route a few House Martins and Swallows were seen, but only two Swifts. A noisy Jay seemed to follow us along a woodland edge at one point near our coffee stop. There had been orchids along the route but the star was a Bird’s-nest Orchid. Meadow Brown butterflies were very numerous and Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma, Speckled Wood, Painted Lady, Marbled White and Ringlet were also seen. A Sparrowhawk was seen by some and three Buzzards circled in a thermal. Among others, there were Linnets and calling Nuthatches and Chiffchaffs and the tail end of the group saw a Marsh Tit, making the total of 24 species. Thanks to Jean for leading. Nancy Barrett

On a glorious summer morning nine members met at Webbers Post and drove on down across the ford to spend a couple of hours in the cool of the valley floor exploring Horner Wood. Flycatchers were very difficult to locate, with just one glimpse of a probable Pied, but we did find Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Wood Warblers, Chiffchaffs, lots of Blackcaps still singing, Marsh Tits, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. A Buzzard glided over and a Jay crashed around in the treetops. Silver-washed Fritillaries glowed in the sunshine and we also noted Red Admiral and lots of Speckled Wood butterflies. With the huge old trees in full leafage and the constant backdrop of falling water, it was a very refreshing place to be on a bright, hot day. After our picnic lunch we drove up to the high moorland past Cloutsham Farm where Swallows outnumbered House Martins this year. We had missed Redstarts in the valley but as predicted we found them on more open ground, with one by the roadside and another with a juvenile at Chetsford Water. Walking Ember Combe and Chetsford Water we found at least five adult Whinchats and some juveniles. A couple of Stonechats and a Willow Warbler were seen, Meadow Pipits flitted about and a few Swifts zoomed around the sky. We did well for raptors on the uplands with Buzzard, Kestrel and Hobby riding the strong wind. The day ended with the traditional cream tea in Horner and a list of some 38 species. (Thanks to Jane for leading.) Jane Cumming

A good count of walkers today (17), which considering the very low cloud and the final tally of 32 species was not bad either. Whitethroat was the first song we heard and having played the CD with the volume up in the car, we all had our ears tuned to hear the subsequent nine others. As we entered the reserve plenty of Small Heath butterflies were abroad and a small family party of Linnet sat on a fence wire, the dad staying to give us as good an inspection as he afforded us. Along the tree line topping Ubley Warren Farm, a massive flock 150 plus of, mainly, Jackdaw burst up into the fog with a terrific clamour. Along the track a newly fledged, barely flight capable Chaffinch afforded us intimate views. Chiffchaff and Wren were heard, a few Swallows whipped past and a family party of Long-tailed Tits brightened up the gloom. Blackcap and Willow Warbler were both singing and the first of the nine Song Thrush sang from the top of an old dead oak in the valley, which was as well, as a family of Bullfinches was seen as we listened to his melody. Once coffee was over we entered Long Wood and heard Nuthatch and Coal Tit and a bit further on, an acrobatic Marsh Tit was heard and then seen by all but the leader. Leaving the wood and starting the long climb towards the radio masts we were lucky to hear Skylark braving the damp conditions, a bright Yellowhammer showing his tail stripes and a grumpy looking Rook with a juvenile in tow. Before we got into the final stretch along the road, a Stonechat showed, and after a Kestrel was seen hover hunting, some House Martin jinked by and a Meadow Pipit hopped from branch to stem with a beak full of grub for the kids. The ponds didn’t disappoint this year with a fine male Reed Bunting singing form a Sallow branch. Thanks to Geoff for leading and being patient with us for taking an hour longer than normal. Nick Hawkridge

24 birders met on a fine but overcast morning and set off through the village of Hinton Blewitt. House Martins, Jackdaws and House Sparrows and a Pied Wagtail carrying food were seen along with a displaying Collared Dove. Rain started as we crossed the fields in which Meadow Brown butterflies were seen. The sound of birdsong aided identification of Yellowhammer, Blackcap, Blackbird, Wren, Robin, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff and Chaffinch. At the two lakes we saw Grey Heron, Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Tufted Ducks, Cormorant and a Green Woodpecker. There were several families of Pied and Grey Wagtails. Climbing e hill to the cars a few saw Bullfinch and we added Greenfinch and Goldfinch to the list, giving a species count of 42. Despite the non-stop rain everyone enjoyed the beautiful walk. (Thanks to Sue and John for leading.) Sue Prince

Thirty three birders set off on a four mile walk around the Gower from Rhossili, after Alastair explained the ancient field systems we would be looking at, and the carboniferous and oolitic limestone rock formations. The fields dating from the thirteenth century and separated by earth banks were planted up with hay meadow, lupin, sunflower, linseed, lavender, lucerne and a sacrificial bird-mix. Normally full of bees and butterflies, the weather was rather dull for many insects to show themselves this day, though Swallows were hunting hopefully. High hedged narrow lanes took us towards the coast and gave good views of a Red Kite and two Ravens, a Yellowhammer was also heard. We had our lunch on convenient rocks overlooking the coast, watching Fulmars on a cliff ledge and small birds including Linnets and Goldfinches flying around the woodland. Kestrels put in regular appearances as we walked towards Worms Head and then a Chough was spotted on a rounded rock, to be joined by four others flying and landing on the grassy cliff edge. Watching a pair of Stonechats in the opposite fields we saw a juvenile Wheatear fly over a drystone wall and the Red Kite flew close by again. 36 species were seen plus one Grey Seal. This was a walk with stunning scenery and plenty of wild flowers and we were lucky that the promised rain did not begin until we were back within reach of the coach and cafes. Very many thanks to Alastair and to Judy for organising – and to the coach driver who had to interrupt a church service in order to get a car moved so we could get through the narrow lanes. Jacky Tonkin

The rain only really became constant after we were on the way back from the picnic. Before we got to the top of the steps above the car park it was quite calm being totally in the lee of the hill. There was a juvenile Robin, calling Chiffchaff and Blackcap, with a Wren sounding off as we climbed. At the top of the steps we all (seven) watched a family of Whitethroat, the juveniles being ushered into the brambles after we had all had a good look. We did not walk to the end of the Point as it was really windy but cut down towards the normal coffee stop and did enjoy a Kestrel hanging in the wind and a Swift hurtling by. At the coffee stop (early) we watched an adult and juvenile Rock Pipit feeding. There was a bit of a splash as we walked along Middle Hope, but the rain and wind did abate for a while, enough for us to be astonished to hear Skylark – but we all did. We sheltered in the lee of the old concrete piers at St Thomas’s Head for a short lunch stop. A Shelduck and some Mallards were eating too on the banks of the River Banwell and a lone House Sparrow, Greenfinch and Blackcap were heard. As we walked back we had nice flocks of Goldfinches, many juveniles with their families and two Whitethroats. A Curlew and Cormorant were seen just above the horizon heading upstream and as we got back Swallows were flying at head height along the lane beside the car park at the bottom of the steps. For the conditions it was amazing that we got to 30 species, and well done to the hardy souls who turned up. (Thanks to Nick for leading.) Nick Hawkridge

Perhaps the threat of poor weather deterred some members, but 16 came along. For some, this was a first visit to the site and they were rewarded with a good days birding. The morning stayed dry as we walked around. Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and a Pheasant were around the feeders. A Little Grebe was seen on the pond and the first Reed Warblers were calling in the reeds, and eventually they were seen and also a Sedge Warbler. Cetti’s Warblers were very active and again some folk had good sightings. Only a few were fortunate to see two juvenile Bearded Tits and one member saw a Bittern diving into the reeds. The Cuckoo could be heard but not seen and a Buzzard turned out to be the only raptor of the day. A male Reed Bunting was picked up in the telescope and his plumage much admired. Common Whitethroats were singing from perches and a few Swifts flew over the reserve. The estuary had the usual Shelduck and a Curlew was eventually located hidden in a dip. The rain started as we were having lunch, but we were able to shelter in the hides at Goldcliff for the afternoon. The lagoons had a fair amount of water, certainly more than our visit in May, but we saw very few chicks this time and I wondered if they had been predated. A large flock of Black-tailed Godwits were feeding and a sizeable flock of Dunlins flew in. Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover were seen. The six legged Little Ringed Plover confused us until we spotted the two young sheltering underneath. Some Avocets were around but only one chick could be seen. The Canada Geese appeared to be the most successful with their brood of goslings. We saw a few Swallows at Goldcliff but there were no House Martins seen. A total of 45 species were identified. (Thanks to Margaret and Ray for leading.) Margaret Bulmer