Field trip reports

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

15 members met on a beautiful summer’s morning. We were a little late setting off due to unforeseen roadworks en route but the trip was worth it. First seen were two Spotted Flycatchers, darting in the trees in an identifiable manner. We walked to the first platform and then out to the Tor Hide. Greylag Geese flew across in the distance. A Cormorant nesting colony was seen on the far side with at least three nests visible, and we were rewarded at the hide with great views of Marsh Harriers (three – four spotted on the day). Also seen near there, were a Grey Heron, Little Grebe, several pairs of Tufted Duck, a few Pochard and, at least, two Great White Egrets flew overhead. Further on, we walked via the board walk to the platforms on the far side of the Glastonbury Canal. There, we potted two Bitterns breaking cover from the reeds (the highlight of the day), and a Hobby. On the way back there were Great Crested Grebe families with young on their back, one – two Little Egrets, several Shovelers, and lots of Gadwall. Many birds were identified from their song or call, Cetti’s Warblers, Reed Warblers, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, at least one Sedge Warbler, Cuckoo (seen once, heard several times), Water Rail and Bittern. Also seen were one Treecreeper, one Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and several Lapwings. It was a great morning out. Thank you to Jane for leading the walk and thanks to Jane, Alastair and others for sharing their knowledge and helping the newer BOC members identify the birds seen and heard. Alison Hooper

Twelve members set off on this lovely walk, which included fabulous views over Bath and the surrounding countryside. We started by climbing Solsbury Hill. After circling the top of the hill, we stopped for coffee before descending gently to Chilcombe Bottom and back to Northend. It was a cloudy day with occasional sunshine and showers. From Northend village we passed both cultivated and wild meadows until we reached Little Solsbury Hill. The song of the Skylark matched the glorious views perfectly. We continued round the top of the hill looking down on woodland and beyond towards Swainswick, Woolley and Lansdown. A Whitethroat could be heard in the woods below. As we journeyed on there was a brief shower but the sun soon came out and we could hear the song of Blackcap, Wren and Chiffchaff. The walk had been very enjoyable and the rain started again as we reached the cars. In summary, a splendid walk with 30 species identified and 215 birds noted. Special thanks to Robert Hargreaves for both leading the walk and keeping the list. Peter Trippier

It was a beautiful sunny morning but not too hot; just perfect for a four mile walk with the hope of seeing some good birds. As 22 of us set off from the Compton Inn there were some common birds around the village, including House Sparrow, Jackdaw and House Martin. There were also good views of two Goldfinches along the brook that flows through the village. After a very short walk to the bridge over the River Chew a Grey Wagtail was spotted in the river. Then there was that tell-tale flash of blue and most of the group had a good, although fleeting, view of a Kingfisher flying at great speed along the river. We added Wren to our list but we did not see a Dipper on this occasion. We then walked through pasture land bordered with woodland where we added Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap (heard), Carrion Crow and an early morning Buzzard was seen. A Mallard was also seen in the river. After climbing a fairly steep hill we walked through a beautiful meadow where we saw, or heard, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pheasant, Song Thrush and Goldcrest. As we descended gently towards Woollard we added Sparrowhawk and Swallow to our list. On reaching Woollard we made a slight diversion for another view of the River Chew from the road bridge. We had our coffee break at a particularly nice spot by the river and then continued on towards Publow. We had decided not to do the detour to Publow itself, so we started the walk back along the other side of the River Chew. We saw Jay, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Canada Goose, Grey Heron, two little Egrets flying and a Raven. It was good to have Mark join us for the first part of the walk and as he returned to Compton Dando, he saw a Nuthatch, so we added this to our list, giving a final total of 39 species, seen or heard. We saw two of our three target birds: Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher. We all enjoyed the walk which passed through lovely countryside and gave frequent views of the river. Thanks to Nick for keeping his usual accurate bird list. Mike Landen

The sessile oak woods, stream and crowberry were a beautiful sight as 14 of us set off up Hodders Combe on a lovely sunny morning. A Wood Warbler was singing (the first of five and we saw one), and a Blackcap and Chiffchaff joined him. Some of the party saw a Garden Warbler. A Grey Wagtail was briefly along the stream, and a Treecreeper, two female Sparrowhawks circling, and Cuckoos calling, added to the excitement. Pied Flycatchers (two near nest boxes) and Redstarts were added to the mix. At lunch time on the heath near Bicknoller Post we were entertained by Tree Pipit, Whitethroat and Willow Warblers. On the way back across Longstone Hill we saw a Cuckoo, which flew past us, a Hobby, Linnets and Stonechats. A lovely walk. Thanks to our leader Jeff Holmes and his in-depth knowledge. Some 35 plus species were seen. Sue Prince

On a cool but still evening Hannah Booth, RSPB site manager, gave 19 members another of her informative tours of the woods, with a focus on the habitat management for Nightingales creating blocks of coppice of different ages, together with wet areas. It was interesting to see how a block that we saw when it was newly created in 2017 had matured with its impenetrable Muntjac barrier. Even better, a Nightingale was singing close by the path at the start of our walk. As usual in the early evening Song Thrushes were the loudest and most numerous (over 20) presence. There were also plenty of Blackbirds (eleven), Blackcaps (seven), Wrens, and Chiffchaffs. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were active around a tree hole. The first of two Marsh Tits was heard, and briefly seen. Calls were also heard from Jay, Raven, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, and Goldcrest. We completed the circuit at about 21:00 and a Nightingale was singing loudly and nearby – it was in a different block but may have been the same bird. Song Thrushes were still singing and one persisted with exchanges for a further twenty minutes. It was difficult to leave the mesmerising Nightingale song, and one of us made a recording. Despite the careful management plan and hard work, Nightingales continue to decline in numbers at Highnam. From a recent peak of 20 singing males in 2000, numbers fell to six in 2015, then up to 12 in 2017. It is thought that most of these did not pair and breed successfully and this year there are only four singing males. As Nightingales are highly site faithful, the future remains precarious. Many thanks to Hannah Booth for an excellent evening (22 species including the star performer). Gareth Roberts

Led by Dave Body, 21 walkers gathered on a bright sunny morning in the centre of the village with lovely views across the valley. As we left the village, we saw House Martins busying themselves around the nearby houses, whilst Swift and Jackdaw flew overhead. South Stoke sits in a designated conservation area so the walk alone was of great interest, with a wildflower meadow, woodland and the reservoir and viaduct at Tucking Mill and what used to be Midford Railway Station. Early on, we saw a tree with several holes freshly carved by a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Many of the birds observed were gathering food for their offspring. We saw a Treecreeper on a telegraph pole by Tucking Mill and the reservoir provided views of numerous birds, including Grey Heron and a pair of Grey Wagtails posing for photographs in the sunshine. As many as twelve Robin were noted on the walk and two buzzards were seen overhead. Other notables included Nuthatch, Coal Tit and Swallow, whilst Pheasant were heard but not seen. All in all, a lovely walk with 37 species and over 150 birds noted. Our thanks go out to Dave Body for leading the walk and to Nick for constructing the list. Peter Trippier