Field trip reports

Thirty-one members met at the Riverside pub car park for a somewhat cold and windy walk along the Shallows of the River Avon, with a higher ground option for those who didn’t mind braving the muddy hill. Despite having less than ideal conditions, there was plenty to see – 29 species in total, including fifty winter visiting Redwings, two Mistle Thrushes, a Kingfisher and a very relaxed Great Spotted Woodpecker enjoying some preening time at the top of a tall pine. Plenty of Goldfinches and over a dozen Long-tailed Tits were flocking and calling in the trees, eventually answered by the ‘prokk’ of a Raven. The gulls in the cow pastures across the river from us provided a very nice side by side comparison of species: Black-headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gull all in one field. About the time the wind picked up and temperature dropped, it was time to enjoy a lovely Christmas lunch at the Riverside Inn. Many thanks to Robert for leading us on this one, to all those who organised it and to everyone who came along. Teresa Patten

A fresh morning, with disappearing mist suggested a sunny day, but this never quite materialised and the 16 of us had pleasant enough light cloud and fair visibility. Immediately a Kestrel flew into a nearby ash tree, but that was the only real interest for the first mile or so through the terracing, buddle pits and disturbed ground of former lead mining. By the time we had got to the junction with Black Rock path we had seen eight species: a big flock of Jackdaws in beech trees to the south, together with Starlings and Rooks and a Raven. It was a surprise to have not seen more, only one Robin and no Blackbirds so far. After coffee, the continuing closure of Long Wood forced a longer detour on the west side to Charterhouse Farm. Just as well, as we saw 20 or so Redwings, a dozen Goldfinches and a Buzzard, all otherwise possibly missed had we stayed on the shorter eastern side. A very confiding Roe Deer was grazing on some winter wheat, two more were in the distance and a pair of Stonechats, another Redwing and a Wren were in fence-side brambles. Now on the road, we found the copses and hedges largely quiet until we reached Manor Farm where we saw House Sparrows, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail and a very confiding Wren. Robin sightings were now ten and several Blackbirds had been seen. Some members had seen Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite and a Common Gull and a  Chiffchaff was heard, taking the species count to 28. The walk was rounded off by our first Kestrel reappearing. Many thanks to Graham and Sid the sausage dog who took it in turns to Iead.  Simon Reece

A dozen members had a nice walk around the Park, all benefiting from our leader’s extensive knowledge of the site. The walk down to the river yielded several Goldcrests, Wrens, Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits as well as two Song Thrushes and a Jay. Three Redwings flew over us. On the river path, we immediately stopped to enjoy a Kingfisher perched a few yards away. On the playing fields opposite there was the bizarre site of a Buzzard standing on the grass apparently holding court to a group of Crows. A Grey Wagtail was heard as we walked towards the weir. We went up the hill towards Stapleton Church where there were a good number of Goldcrests and, best of all, two Firecrests. Although they were highly mobile and partially hidden by the ivy surrounding the trees, we saw enough of the field marks to confirm the identification. A greenish-looking Chiffchaff and a couple of Coal Tits were also flitting through the trees on the hill. On the return route, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was found high in a tree near some Goldfinches. We walked back to the lake where the female Tawny Owl was obligingly sitting in its box, allowing good views for all. The usual wildfowl were on the lake, including roosting Cormorants; two Herons were also spotted. A lovely walk rewarded with some of the Park’s star birds, mostly seen at close range. 36 species. Thanks to Rich for leading. Peter Bryant

A large group of 30 gathered at Snuff Mills to celebrate the club’s 30th anniversary of Tuesday walks and we managed to record a total of 30 species as well ! After a weekend of storms and floods we were blessed with clear blue skies and sunshine. Setting off along the path beside the raging river, we walked up away from the shaded valley, where a Song Thrush called, out into open and sunnier fields. As we crossed the field a small flock of Fieldfares flew over, and among the shrubs and trees were seen a few Blue Tits and Great Tits. A sudden high screeching caught all our attention as a Parakeet flew over. We paused for the usual coffee break and were treated by Graham producing paper cups, champagne and cake! Once that had been enjoyed and a group photo taken we proceeded on our (merry) way. Following the path down to the river again we saw more Blue Tits, Long-tailed  Tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Goldcrest. There were Blackbirds among the fallen leaves, and Wrens and Robins among the shrubs. The river was a raging torrent of churning brown water but a Grey Wagtail was seen flitting among the rocks. The path was totally flooded in places, meaning that those with wellingtons waded through and others had to try for higher ground. A special anniversary walk enjoyed by all. Thanks to Graham for leading. Di Bunniss

Just six intrepid walkers met at The Upton Inn. We set off down the hill cheered by a Chaffinch and a Pied Wagtail landing on the path before us. Jackdaws greeted us as we came into Bitton but as we skirted the churchyard and took to the soggy fields the rain turned to snow! Small birds were scarce, except by the dung heap, which gave us Blackbirds, Robin, a silent Dunnock and a small flock of Goldfinches. A substantial bridge gave us welcome shelter for our coffee stop. Snow continued as we threaded our way along the cycle track and river bank. The excitement of seeing a large group of birds in the tree tops was dulled when they turned out to be Wood Pigeons, yet interesting perched so still and in notable numbers, a hundred being recorded. Finally, we trekked back up the hill from Swineford, thrilled when someone spotted a Green Woodpecker. It had been a walk of wet optics, poor visibility and miserable conditions. Birdlife was dominated by Corvids and Wood Pigeons. Nevertheless with jolly company and a sense of achievement we had enjoyed the walk, which gave us 26 species and good exercise. Thanks to our leader Geoff. Anne Crowe

Thirty-four members turned up for a beautiful four mile walk through the estate, taking an alternative route through woodland, because the deer park was temporarily closed. Smaller birds were very thin on the ground – Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were seen but no Nuthatches or Treecreepers. Jays called from the woodland and two Buzzards overhead were being mobbed by a crow. It was good to see Fieldfares and Redwings back, and some lucky birders had a Bullfinch towards the end of the walk. 21 species were seen but lack of smaller birds was more than made up by the autumn colours, the carpets of fallen leaves and the orange, red, yellow and white Waxcaps in the meadows. Many thanks, Graham, a lovely walk. Jacky Tonkin

Eleven people met up at the Wetlands, greeted by some blue sky breaking a fortnight of cyclonic gloom. Multiple Cetti’s Warblers were calling everywhere. The visitor centre area and pond gave us Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Magpies, Goldfinches, Chiffchaffs, Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and a Pied Wagtail. On the way to the main path we had some good views of Greenfinches and Dunnocks and ‘peeping’ Bullfinches. A regular told us about the large flock of Bearded Tits seen within the last hour; expectations raised we moved on to the reed beds. A fleeting glimpse of a Cetti’s Warbler hopping over a reed clump and multiple Wrens and Robins and as we approached the coast a couple of stragglers heard a single ping, was it a Beardie? Along the coastline, the tide was lowish and hosted 300+ Shelducks, 60+ Curlews and a brief murmuration of Dunlins before they vanished into a creek. Other sightings were m any Black-headed Gulls, a couple of Grey Herons and Redshanks. Some persistent scope-work revealed four Grey Plovers and individual Dunlins. Some Stonechats, Reed Buntings and a pair of battling Dunnocks gave us a show on the closer shore. A Water Rail squealed behind us while a Cormorant bat-signalled on a pylon. Distant Redwing and Peregrine were also seen. Wandering back through the woodland, much canopy cheeping; amongst the Long-tailed Tits were Chaffinches, Siskin, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, and a rosy-chested Redpoll ended the walk with a real treat. 38 species, excluding Bearded Tit. Some went on to Goldcliff after lunch and added Golden Plover, Fieldfare, Meadow Pipit. Thanks Peter for leading. Ian Price

The meeting place for 20 members was the car park at the Weston Sewage Treatments Works. From the car park we saw a large flock of Canada Geese, with the total count for the morning being 100. Our route followed part of the Brean Down Way which was opened in 2017 and runs from Weston-super-Mare to the fort on Brean Down. We only walked as far as The Great Bird Screen of Brean which separates walkers and cyclists from the birds in the River Axe, whilst still providing some viewing opportunities. From here we saw Wigeon (36), Lapwing (60), Snipe, Redshank, Curlew and Teal among other species. In total the group recorded 47 species including Water Rail, Cetti’s Warbler, Skylark, Reed Bunting and Redwing. Many thanks to Jane for an enjoyable and productive morning. Beth Yates Please note the car park is only open on weekdays, Monday to Friday 08:00 – 15:30.

Thirteen of us gathered in the National Trust car park in the fog and light rain for the four mile walk through Woodchester Park, near Stroud. Walking down the driveway to the Mansion we didn’t see or hear many birds, but we did admire the Belted Galloways carrying out their conservation grazing in the parkland. Once past the mansion – thanks Di for the history of the site (https://www.woodchestermansion.org.uk/), we climbed into woodland, where although still raining, we saw birds! In a clearing there was a mixed flock containing Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatch and Goldcrest. Once at the top lake we had a brief stop at the old boat house then on past the lake where we saw three Mallards having a good preen on a fallen tree. Further on, by the next dam two noisy Goldcrests were flitting amongst some ivy and a large flock of Long- tailed Tits were moving around the trees. The rain was easing but we decided to turn back on the other side of the lake, where we watched a Kestrel hunting in the recently felled conifer plantation now left to its own devices. Further on two Great Spotted Woodpeckers provided us with pleasing views. Back now to the mansion house for a quick lunch stop before heading up the hill to the car park. (Thanks to Di for leading)   Alison Griffies

Eleven walkers met during a lucky interlude of mild and still weather after days of torrential rain, and it was generally reasonable underfoot. Overlooking Tickenham and Nailsea Moors, we saw a Hobby, Buzzards and Kestrels, Great White and Little Egret with Rooks, Grey Herons and Stonechat, and hundreds of Black-headed Gulls on flooded areas with Herring Gulls and Mallards. The Yeo was fuller than we’d ever seen it, racing along and breaching its embankments to flood lower ground at one point, with Cetti’s Warbler and Great Spotted Woodpecker and Swallows over the meadows. Single Black-headed and Common Gulls were seen on the golf course. In the woods were Green Woodpeckers, Chiffchaffs, many Jays hustling for acorns, and Tits including Coal and Long-tailed. And singing Robins were everywhere – heard but not seen! At Cadbury Camp were Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, a tree full of Greenfinches, Mistle Thrushes, and Raven above. Total species, 40. (Thanks to Jan and Lois for leading.)  Lois Pryce