Field trip reports

Not many field trip reports bother mentioning Woodpigeon but on our approach to Newport Wetlands, and during the first hour and a half, Woodpigeons were passing southwards at around 1,000 birds every five to ten minutes. It would be no exaggeration to estimate in excess of 10,000 passed southwards by 10:30. Six of us had gathered at the car park in full sunshine, although the temperature was only just above freezing. Both White and Pied Wagtail showed and the first of many Cetti’s Warbler sang. Our walk began with more reed-bed classics; Reed Bunting and Marsh Harrier. The latter was a silhouette against the sun but we thought it probably a female or juvenile. There was appetite for winter thrushes but a hoped for Redwing dashed out of sight before positive identification could be made. Another species out of sight was Bearded Tit. We were told by the warden that five had been present, but in a reed-bed of this size and with the wind picking up later, a sighting was not to be. Another species not seen, but heard well, was Water Rail which frequently squealed from the dense reeds. Peregrine and Kestrel represented the falcons, and a Stonechat perched openly affording good views. A Chiffchaff showed its approval of the sunshine by serenading us with its two-note song. The open waters were quiet with Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Little Grebe the only birds of interest. On the coast, the falling tide attracted a steady stream of Curlews and a couple of groups of 30 plus Dunlins. Shelduck, Teal and Wigeon were on the estuarine water. Then we had one of those Cetti’s Warbler moments as one sang from the short, skinny hedge next to the path. This one had to be a dead cert. Up to ten minutes later we’re still staring into this ‘gappy’ hedge two metres away with absolutely no view of a Cetti’s whatsoever, despite the continuous song constantly providing a reference point. In the breeze the walk back to the Visitor’s Centre was less productive. Song Thrush and Green Woodpecker showed, and a late Buzzard was our fourth raptor. The count of House Sparrows at the feeding station made our list exactly 50 species. Thanks to all attending members for sharing bird sightings, and for being good company. (Thanks to Mike for leading the walk.) Mike Jackson

A glorious autumn day encouraged a group of 44 to come along for the walk through Blaise Castle Estate. We set off past the mansion house and museum, heading down Church Lane into the grounds of St Mary’s Church. There we sighted a flock of 17 Greenfinches plus one lone Pied Wagtail. The walk continued through the tunnel and up onto Henbury Hill where Blackbirds were spotted along with the Robins, Magpies, Crows and Jackdaws. These appeared throughout the walk. On the path winding down to Hazel Brook, keen eyes and ears soon picked out the Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Mistle Thrush, Wren and Long-tailed Tits. As we reached the stream there flew above us a flock of Redwings, early arrivals for the winter. An exciting view of two Marsh Tits was also noted in this area. On the steady climb up to the castle a Raven called loudly and was spotted flying over Gorams Chair on the other side of the gorge. We reached the Castle just gone 11:00, so perfect timing to pause and enjoy the morning break with plenty of space for the large group to find somewhere to settle. On we went, Pied Piper fashion, to the long meadows of Kings Weston Drive. These proved disappointing, though two Jays made a bold appearance in the undergrowth, scrabbling among the leaves for food. Taking the quiet Grove Road back to re-enter the woods at a lower point, the group bringing up the rear were rewarded with a display from a Grey Wagtail close by in the brook that appeared unconcerned by the many people who stood watching it. And finally the Buzzard made an appearance, perched on a tree and remaining in good view while the group passed by. Other birds seen or heard were Black-headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Sparrow. All together 26 species. Many thanks to Nick for keeping a record of species seen. (Thanks to Di for leading.) Di Bunniss

On an overcast but very mild day, seventeen people gathered at Uphill beach despite the threat of being made to count ducks and waders all morning. The beach here at the mouth of the River Axe is so flat that there is a huge difference between the height of the spring and neap tides. Today’s high tide got nowhere near the sea defences and Black Rock was hardly surrounded by water at all. This allows a lot of waders to hide in the long grass across the river without getting flushed out to higher ground so it’s difficult to know whether we managed to see them all. We only saw 30 Dunlin but there could have been a lot more in deep vegetation on the Brean Down side. We started with the very numerous Shelducks scattered across the estuary, making a rough count of 380. Freshwater duck numbers were lower with 60 Mallard, 31 Teal (mainly on pools and along the muddy banks of the Axe) and 42 Wigeon, just back for the winter. We turned our attention to the Oystercatchers, some on Black Rock and others scattered about the tidal margins, and got to 69 of those, with a few Black-tailed Godwits feeding amongst them – eight at the final count. There were very few Curlews, only nine for certain, but at least 35 Lapwings feeding on the tidal mud and well over 150 Redshank in small parties along the river’s edge. We walked over the salt marsh towards the marina. A Sparrowhawk shot low over our heads and swooped up to do battle with a Kestrel over the marshes. There was the usual wintering Little Grebe on the freshwater pool by the caravan park, but no sign of the Black Redstart that sometimes spends the winter around the quarry. Along the hedgerow we looked and listened for small birds; the tit flock included a Chiffchaff but all the Redwings were flyovers, not settling in the berry bushes. On Walborough Hill we scanned the river, where we had better views of a couple of Little Egrets and roosts of mainly Black-headed Gulls of which there were about 450 all told. No Mute Swans – the winter herd is not back yet. Hundreds of Starlings were flying in close formation, some swirling around over the Levels, others apparently moving north-east overhead. Skylarks and Meadow Pipits drifted over the hilltop in small groups. Those with telescopes picked out a couple of Roe Deer browsing peacefully in the meadows behind Brean. It was a pleasant if not an outstanding morning. The numbers of birds using the estuary are starting to rise towards winter levels, but there will certainly be more next time. (Thanks to Jane for leading) Jane Cumming

We met at Ferrybridge with misty rain and high winds, and at high tide. Not much to see, except by the Chesil outlet a small group of waders remained on the few stones still above the water. A few Skylarks called as we walked down to see them, a couple of Brent Geese stopped on the fleet, but by the time we reached a spot to see the waders, they had been frightened off by some other birders leaning over the railings right above them. Still hiding in the seaweed were three Turnstones. Straight to the Bill and first the Observatory, where we were welcomed by Martin Cade, the warden, and a couple of Kestrels in the gardens, a lot of warblers, mostly Chiffchaffs, but talk of a Yellow-browed Warbler. Sue was the first to find it and had good views along with a Willow Warbler. A walk to the quarry revealed Stock Dove, Blackcap and Whitethroat. At the Bill Swallows were still passing through, Rock and Meadow Pipits, a Wheatear, but seabirds were few, two Gannets, two Auks and the Shags. On the way back we made a visit to Suckthumb quarry via Thumb Lane. Seemed very dead at first but we started seeing quite a few birds. Unfortunately, all were silhouettes and flew just out of sight each time, only Raven being identified. From one of the bushes came singing which none of us could recognize, a mix of many Warbler songs. Playing it to a local expert on leaving we were advised it was the sub-song of a Blackcap. Unusual! Deciding not to stop at Ferrybridge on the way back we could see a flock of Brent Geese as we passed. Pulling in at the pub we counted 82 Brent Geese, which flew off north. Along the edge of the shore were Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Turnstone, Oystercatcher and a Godwit which turned out to be a Bar-tail. Coffee at Radipole and the water was high. No sign of yesterday’s Lesser Yellowlegs, unfortunately, it had flown from Weymouth overnight. But a Snipe was seen on the little island off the café. A walk produced Shoveler and Gadwall, a Great White Egret, Cetti’s Warbler and House Martin. A last stop at Lodmoor, the biting north-east wind blowing straight in at us, gave our first Lapwing, Wigeon and some Black-tailed Godwits. Surprisingly, we had 70 different birds over the day, the unmentioned Mediterranean Gulls seen everywhere. Thanks to the two new members, Sue and Mark, for accompanying Anne and me around. (Thanks to Robert for leading) Robert Hargreaves

A resurrected walk to the north of the village, hilly, so resuscitation was on the cards, but thankfully all 21 got round unscathed – even the octogenarian. We started by going through the gardens of the old pub, where a pair of Pied Wagtail ‘chizziked’ at our intrusion, and three Dunnock played chase. A couple of cock Pheasant paraded on a wall before scooting off down into Upton Coombe, where we followed. The sun was hot, with a light breeze, a zephyr to lighten the parties of Carrion Crows and Jackdaws, but sadly not strong enough to wind assist us to the top of Barley Ridge. An obliging Great Spotted Woodpecker remained in her treetop perch for most of us to get a ‘good bins full’. The first of several Buzzards circled, calling until another joined the merry-go-round. A test for us all was the padlocked five bar gate across the footpath – Pheasant rearing protection I suspect but really – -. A couple of Jays were spotted before we went down through Church Wood and into Hannel Bottom where coffee and sun were taken. It was quiet, bird-wise, along Small Coombe, a Blue Tit raising the list count (eventually 26) but nothing could detract from the tranquillity. Up again we went, past Wine Cellar Farm, with many Pheasants littering the landscape and, thankfully, a Nuthatch along the top of Bangel Wood. Our trek back through Upton Coombe allowed good views of Green Woodpecker and a much debated Kestrel. Back in the village, we had more Dunnocks, a lone Collared Dove and thankfully, for the tally, some House Sparrows. A very lovely day for bird walking – even with so few species. (Thanks to Nick for leading) Nick Hawkridge

It was a wet, breezy and cold morning starting at 8°C. Not surprisingly we were a small group of five members. We took the cars along the south shore stopping at various points and ending at the hide. Duck numbers were building nicely and we saw 41 Pintail, many Teal, some Wigeon plus Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall and Shoveler. The population of Great White Egrets is increasing with twelve seen with many Grey Herons. Coots, Moorhens and a few Great Crested Grebes, one with a large fish, added to the variety. Waders were scarce but a Greenshank, Snipe and a Black-tailed Godwit were seen. The only passerines were Robin, Wren and some Wagtails and Meadow Pipits. In spite of the weather it was an enjoyable meeting. Thanks to Nigel Milbourne for leading. John & Sue Prince

The sunny autumn weather appeared to have deserted the 15 members gathering for this walk and the strong breeze in the trees initially made identification by sound difficult for all but the very sharp of hearing. However, Wren, Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker were soon on the list and then Goldfinches were spotted feeding on cones in one of the tall conifers by the track – and not just tens or twenties but an estimated 150 flying in and out as we watched. Five Pied Wagtail also flew over. The wood was fairly quiet after we turned off on the path to Smitham Chimney, though Goldcrest and Stock Dove were added. The next really active spot was a wonderful hedge – the sort that every field should have, with hawthorn, elder, holly, hazel and many other species. This, and the path beside it, was alive with birds including House Sparrow, Robin, a couple of dozen Chaffinches and an elusive Bullfinch which kept calling but remained invisible in the thick hedge. The descent into Harptree Combe didn’t yield many extra species and the going needed care with many fallen branches or whole trees. Later Green Woodpecker, Mallard and Pheasant were all seen and a single Swallow. Then a few Meadow Pipits heads bobbing above furrows revealed themselves to be a flock of over 90. Our total number of species was 30. This walk has been done in most seasons and is always rewarding – it needs to be with the number of hills en route, especially at the end! Thanks to Geoff for leading and keeping us climbing. Nancy Barrett

A total of twelve members joined me on a very bright but fresh morning at Clevedon. From the Church we made our way up to the ‘Viz Mig’ area of Wains Hill. Sadly, there was very little in the way of movement with just a few Meadow Pipits and resident Jays going over. Making our way around to the coast we had a Swallow and a Wheatear, and on the Estuary a long string of over two hundred Shelducks were observed. A Peregrine was at the top of one of the radio masts and was ‘scoped well for all. The Clevedon Pill held a Little Egret and assorted gulls and two Stonechats were seen well. A good group of twenty plus House Sparrows were also present. It was a quiet stroll along to the Kenn with a few Rock Pipits, Skylark, and Linnet seen. The Kenn had around forty Oystercatchers in the roost alongside approximately 40 Curlews, 100 Redshanks and some Dunlins. A few returning Wigeon were seen. Heading back we again saw the Peregrine, this time heading off to hunt and three more Wheatears. All in all a pleasant walk with around 45 species seen. Thanks to those who joined me. (Thanks to Jason for leading the walk.) Jason Williams

Glorious sunshine after the deluge and really, the mud was not too bad. House Sparrow, Robin and Dunnock started the list. Robins were everywhere (Nick counted 21!), welcoming the sun in full voice and one or two Wrens sang as well. Green Woodpeckers were also calling – we had three or four. The wood going up towards Failand was very quiet but numbers of common bird species gradually rose, Coal Tits especially singing well. At the bird feeder house at the bottom of Sandy Lane were Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Great and Blue Tits flitting across from the trees and a Pheasant was seen there. Peering over the wall beside the track near Failand House Farm we found a single Mistle Thrush on the grass and a Green Woodpecker, which immediately flew – would have been a nice view! Nuthatch was eventually heard during the climb up through the wood to the farm. One or two Chiffchaffs were ‘weeting’, and over the fields we saw one Skylark, Swallows and several House Martins on migration. Six Linnet flew over as we came down towards the village. Speckled Wood butterflies were common beside hedges, and in the sheltered south-facing field below Failand church we spotted a Clouded Yellow, several Small Coppers, a Common Blue and a Red Admiral, while a Buzzard, first seen on a branch behind some overhead wires, gave a good show above us and two Ravens were tumbling. Apologies for the walk being rather longer and steeper than some had anticipated but I hope most people enjoyed it nonetheless! Nick counted 33 species. (Thanks to Judy for leading the walk.) Judy Copeland

The tail end of some stormy weather was kinder than expected to 20 members meeting by Tickenham’s church. Large numbers of Swallows, House and some Sand Martins hunted across the golf course with flocks of Goldfinch. Chiffchaffs ‘wheeted’, Green Woodpeckers ‘yaffled’, and Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Coal Tits and Long Tailed Tits called or appeared along the path up to the ridge and along to Cadbury Camp. Two Buzzards circled above the woods down from the camp, one strikingly pale. On the return by the Land Yeo and across Tickenham Moor were two Cormorants (including one pale-fronted juvenile), Grey Herons, a Grey Wagtail, and a Mistle Thrush. Back at the church we finally saw our first two Starling on the spire joined by two more Mistle Thrush, and heard a Jay. Total species count 27. (Thanks to Jan and Lois for leading the walk.) Lois Pryce