Field trip reports

Twenty-seven members met at the Water Tower and travelled down to the Exe estuary. By the time we had got to Exeter the sun had come out. Almost as soon as we got off the coach and started to walk towards the Exminster Marshes area we all observed a Barn Owl which was sitting out in the open on a bough of a tree sunning itself. Along the lane we observed hundreds of Canada Geese and in the distance by the motorway flyover were a small flock of Brent Geese. Large numbers of Wigeon were feeding in the field either side of the lane and they were accompanied by a small groups of Shoveler, Teal and Shelduck. Two Grey Herons were flushed from a water filled dyke and there were numerous Mute Swans and Greylag Geese feeding close to the lane. Two Common Snipe were observed along with a large number of Curlew feeding in a distant field. As we arrived at the end of the lane near the RSPB car park a man with a large dog flushed a flock of approx. 400 Brent Geese from a field near the Canal Path. I had been told that a Black Brant had been seen in this flock but, unfortunately, that was the one that got away. Walking along the Canal Path towards the Turf Hotel we had both Pied and Grey Wagtail, as well as more flocks of Wigeon along with a small number of Tufted Ducks in the fields around. A pleasure ferry which was travelling from Topsham disturbed a flock of c500 Avocets. At the Turf Hotel viewpoint we had Dunlin, Redshank in good numbers, two Red-breasted Mergansers, numerous Cormorants and large flock of Black-tailed Godwits who were huddled together sheltering from the very cold breeze. A large flock of Oystercatcher was out on the large mud flats in front of us. Two Long-tailed Duck were observed flying up the estuary and a Common Buzzard was seen just as we moved off. Walking towards Powderham we saw Meadow Pipit and what was to be a lifer for a number of our group was a very obliging Snow Bunting which rounded off the walk before lunch. After rejoining the coach we travelled to Dawlish Warren where the tide was still way out of the Estuary so we concentrated on a short sea watch which produced a small number of Common Scoters, numerous Great Crested Grebes, some Razorbills and many Gannets could be seen feeding far out but viewable with a scope. By this time we were a bit fragmented as some members had gone off to the Dawlish Warren hide and a small number of us had decided to walk along the sea wall a bit further. We had Shag and a few Guillemots viewed close in and also a Lesser Redpoll on a Gorse Bush by the Golf Course. (Well spotted, Nick Hawkridge). By the time my small group had got down near the Hide the other breakaway … Read more

A group of 30 set out from the Failand Inn on an overcast, chilly, but dry day. A Mistle Thrush was prominent in a tree top at Failand Hill Farm and although water birds were not expected, a Cormorant was spotted in transit overhead. Woodpigeons, Carrion Crows, Linnets and Starlings appeared in flocks at various points and a group of 16 Blackbirds were feeding in close proximity. Nuthatches were heard in the woods above Portbury Lane, making chattering calls rather than the more usual whistles. There were also Bullfinch, Long-Tailed Tit and Goldcrest amongst the trees. A very large flock of Chaffinch were feeding on the ground near Limekiln Cottages and other large flocks were seen in flight. During our coffee stop, we saw a flock of Redwing with the occasional Fieldfare and then, a single Buzzard, not very high, probably due to a lack of thermals on that day. Three Ravens croaked loudly and flew around the treetops along Charlton Drive. Crossing the Clevedon Road to the Tyntesfield Estate, a dung heap yielded several Dunnock and a Pied Wagtail and a flock of Meadow Pipits was evident in the adjacent field. Jays could be heard in the woods towards the end of the estate walk. Lesser Black-Backed and Herring Gulls were identified overhead on several occasions. My thanks to Nick Hawkridge for giving me access to his very comprehensive bird list, which totalled 30, (one for each person!) and to Roger Hawley who helped to jog my memory on some sightings. Thanks also to Maureen who was really the leader, having led other groups on this walk on several occasions. Bill Dobie

As seven of us set off from Ashcott car park on an overcast afternoon with rain threatening we saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Starling and Redwing. On Ham Wall Reserve, as we went to the first view point, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, Grey Heron and Chiffchaff were spotted. The pools yielded Moorhen, Coot, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Cormorant and Mute Swan. Next we went to the new RSPB Tor hide in the hope of seeing Water Rail and were rewarded with excellent views of two feeding along the water’s edge. On our way to and from the second viewpoint we added Great White Egret, Teal, Wigeon, Marsh Harrier and Mallard. On our return to Shapwick Heath to see the Starling roost we had views of two male Bullfinches, Goldcrest, Goldfinch and a large flock of Long-tailed Tits. The overcast conditions meant that the Starlings arrived a little earlier than on the last few days. We had good views of several large murmurations which roosted some distance away from the track in a number of different areas rather than one. All in all an excellent visit with a total of 42 species and the rain held off until we left. Thanks to Mike Johnson for leading his second BOC group here in three days (with a third visit looking at plants planned for the following day). Mark Watson

Eighteen members met at the new RSPB car park at Ashcott Corner on a bright crisp afternoon. Bristol Naturalists’ were also meeting there that afternoon under the leadership of club member Giles Morris so we decided to combine and have a joint field meeting. We walked down the path being the former Somerset and Dorset Railway track from Burnham-on-Sea to Evercreech that divides the two sides of Ham Wall. The RSPB have created a number of new features at this reserve lately one being the new Tor Hide and boardwalk approach which takes you right into the heart of the reed bed. At the hide we had wonderfully close views of a Water Rail stealthily weaving between the vegetation seeking insect prey. A Kingfisher sped past in a turquoise-blue flash and a Cetti’s Warbler announced its presence with an explosive outburst of notes. From the viewing platforms we observed a good selection of water birds including Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mute Swan, Grey Heron and Little Grebe. Waders were represented by Lapwing and Snipe. Incredibly, these days, you seem more likely to see a Great White Egret rather than its smaller cousin at this reserve and such was the case today. Some had brilliant views of a Goldcrest feeding in an alder with the sun lighting up its orange and yellow crown stripe. A Marsh Harrier drifted low over the reeds. We then walked through part of the Natural England Meare Heath reserve where we had heard that the Starlings had roosted the previous evening. We were not disappointed as just before dusk tens of thousands of the birds poured into the reed beds, swirling and twisting in their huge flocks. A captivating sight as usual(Thanks to Mike for leading) Mike Johnson

Thirteen members set off from Herons Green for a walk along quiet lanes between the Lakes. We got off to a good start with a Kestrel hovering over nearby fields and water birds on Chew Lake including Canada Goose, Coot, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Goosander amongst others. The weather held for a while as we climbed with Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin and Dunnock flitting about the hedgerows. Excellent views were had of Great Spotted Woodpecker on a feeder along with Goldfinch. As the walk progressed spots of rain began to fall and then eased again as we had views of Jay, Redwing, Bullfinch, Song and Mistle Thrush, Blackcap and Wren. Just before the heavy rain started, which accompanied us nearly to the end, we saw Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail, our customary Buzzard and an obliging Nuthatch feeding on peanuts. We arrived damp at our cars after an excellent walk with a tally of 49 species. Sadly the Bittern at Heron’s Green did not show. Thanks to Nick Hawkridge who kept us on the right route and Sue and John Prince for planning the walk. It was good to see them at lunch and learn that Sue is recovering well from her operation. Mark Watson

There was some cause for concern en-route as the weather was less than promising, but, thankfully, it improved upon arrival. Nine members paraded, though initially going to the ‘wrong’ car park, one car load saw a Long- tailed Duck, which had disappeared by the time we all looked later. The feeder outside the visitor centre was busy with, amongst other species, Tits, Siskins, Chaffinches, and at least two Nuthatches. We walked to the Woodland Hide where the feeder was really busy, again mainly with four species of Tit (including a Long-tailed with a ring on its leg) and four species of Finches, though there was no sign of the hoped for Brambling or Redpolls. We moved on to South Hide at Ivy Lake where we saw a number of the more common water birds, including Shoveler, Wigeon, Gadwall and Great Crested Grebe, but our attention was then drawn to a fly-by Great White Egret. Our next stop was the north hide at the same lake, where a Chiffchaff was flitting around, and Teal was added to the list. The Great White Egret re-appeared and gave good views as it circled quite near to the hide, and landed just out of sight. After leaving the hide we walked up and down a path that had recently held a Firecrest, but had noluck with that and had to settle for a couple of Goldcrests. As we had been making our way around the hides and paths, a flock of about twenty five flighty and vocal Siskins flew into the trees over our heads a number of times, but despite close examination, we couldn’t pick out any Redpolls amongst them. We crossed the road to Ibsley Water, where a Ring-billed Gull had been reported, and a couple of gulls were picked out from the quite distant mass as being possibles. Discussion took place, but, none were definitely nailed as RBG. However, well worth seeing were singletons of Bewick’s Swan, Black-necked Grebe, Goldeneye, and a few each of Pintail and Goosander. Next, we drove the short distance to Milkham Inclosure where we hoped to find the Great Grey Shrike that had been seen recently. No sign of it, but, with the help of a local birder, there was compensation in the form of a Ring Tail Hen Harrier, which flew along a ridge in the middle distance. Also of note here were two Mistle Thrushes, Fieldfare, Redwing, Stonechat, Green Woodpecker and a Treecreeper, which was one of at least five seen during the day. Our last stop was at Blackwater Arboretum, where there is a small, but well established, Hawfinch roost site. Local birders also arrived to see them, but on this occasion it may be that the birds had got there first and were sitting tight in the fading light. Not all was lost here though, as we had seen a male Crossbill in the car park. Also present were two male Bullfinches. On the walk back to the car, we heard a … Read more

Our usual leader was laid up with a bad cold but there were only twelve of us, all “old stagers”, so we took ourselves around and just about managed to stay together! Although there was no sun the light was good at the Martin Smith hide en route to the Holden Tower and the Pintail particularly were looking very spruce, also many Wigeon, Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler and Mallard and a few Pochard and Redshank. Behind them in the field were about 60 Bewick’s Swans and huge numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover were wheeling around – they all went up at one point. Two Buzzards appeared and a Black-tailed Godwit flew in. We visited the Willow Hide next and admired the very tame Water Rail which was happy to walk around in full view for everyone to see. Also there was a female Reed Bunting and other small birds on the feeders. A brisk wind was blowing into the Holden Tower from the Severn in spite of the mild weather, but didn’t stop us seeing a Little Stint with a few Dunlin, good for size comparison. A Buzzard was in the field on his own and two Curlew were eventually picked up beyond the water. Many Canada Geese were present, as well as Greylags and Barnacles. On entering the Zeiss hide we were told that a Marsh Harrier was performing and soon we had very good views of it (a female) flying up and down the bank and then interacting with a Buzzard, again very good for comparison of wing shape. A Sparrowhawk was also seen and a huge flock of Golden Plover flew around in front of us. The Kingfisher hide provided Goldfinches on the feeders, attended by a family of Rats below, a Kestrel, some Gadwall and a Little Grebe, plus a Cormorant flying over. Our attention was drawn to a free-flying Ferruginous Duck which had appeared among the Collection, and we managed to see this on our way to the South Hide. Here we were shown a continental Cormorant with a white face, and three Black-tailed Godwits, one slightly coloured, just starting to go into summer plumage. 55 species in all. (Many thanks to Judy for standing in as leader.) Judy Copeland

With the period of unseasonal wintry sunny days continuing it allowed us to bask in the warm sunshine but be chilled by the frozen ground. Our group of 23 birders began by looking over the salt marsh towards the flock of Dunlins and Ringed Plovers feeding along the water’s edge. We also noticed a small group of Linnets bending the stems of the grasses while feeding on the seed heads, this very motion revealing their presence. Alas, Battery Point was awash with fishermen and not water – so no Purple Sandpiper but the headland made a splendid watch point to observe from. Up the hill and into East Wood where the common Tit species were all around us, two noisy Nuthatches called to one another and Great Spotted Woodpecker went ‘chip chip’ before flying off. Descending to the jetty and seeing the ongoing work on the new RNLI boat house, I had hoped that the Black Redstart might have put in an appearance but alas not. A further collection of Gulls was counted plus a small flock of Canada Geese waddling their way into the long grass to feed. What disturbed the 30 or so Dunlins was not evident but they showed a pretty turn of speed and agile flight as they flashed in the sunlight before disappearing towards Royal Portbury Dock. The walk along the marina beside the opulent water craft was sparse bird – but not humanity – wise although a further flock of Canada Geese were obviously very used to being fed as they hardly moved as we passed by. Our final birds of the day were; a Buzzard being seen off by Carrion Crows, a distant Song Thrush and a Grey Wagtail up over the roof tops. A total count of 42 species was a fitting end to 2014 for the Tuesday Group. Nick Hawkridge  

At the start of this festive week, there is nothing better than to disappear into the woodlands, try and forget the impending jollities and get a good dose of birding. All along the Frome valley we hoped for Siskin but alas none were seen. The Dipper and the Kingfisher were probably also finding their living elsewhere, as the river was so high. At the top of the valley we encountered many corvids; large numbers of raucous Jackdaw, a fair few aggressive Carrion Crows, many cackling Magpies and at least four Ravens. The Blue and Great Tits were starting to show signs of ‘getting friendly’ with some full song from each species, although the Long-tailed Tits were still in big mixed parties with Goldcrest and Blue Tit, – running from tree top to tree top. The playing fields were bare of their normal covering of gulls, in fact, only a few were seen on the wing throughout the whole walk, however we did have splendid views of two Mistle Thrushes on the fields, both standing bolt upright to keep an eye on the marauding dogs. The final section from Frenchay Bridge back to the car park went past a garden with a Jay burying his food stash, a couple of Moorhens fussing around the margins and a dozen hungry Mallards steaming to their feeding station. There was a sighting of a Grey Wagtail and a fine Sparrowhawk, only interested in quitting the area and the unwelcome attentions of Jackdaws. 26 species seen by most of the 20 walkers. Thanks to Dave Body for standing in as leader and for taking us round this lovely walk. Nick Hawkridge

This year’s pre-Christmas Lunch walk was well supported with 37 members setting off from the Fleur de Lis at Pucklechurch. It was a lovely sunny morning with the church’s cockerel weather-vane shining golden and the light frost melting. Through the village various chattering House Sparrows, 15 tuneful Dunnocks, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, and Magpie were busy foraging and there was debate about the identity of a beautiful, small tree absolutely covered in red berries. Before we reached the fields we had a Silver Birch dripping with a large flock of Redwing and Fieldfare plus some Blue Tits and a Raven surveyed the scene from the top of a fir tree. Crossing the fields was quite muddy underfoot but produced seven Meadow Pipits. A member hoped for some early spuds at the nursery we passed. He was disappointed but bulbs and beets were purchased by others, whilst a group of 26 Stock Doves swooped across, beyond the yard. Buzzards were only spotted towards the end of our walk, which was shortened a little to be back for our excellent lunch at the pub, joining those who had not perambulated. We saw 29 species. There were about 60 people who enjoyed the cheery atmosphere and a good meal, well organised again by Peter Holbrook. Mark Watson thanked Peter and the leaders of the 2014 walks. Ed Drewitt then thanked Mark for taking on the role of organiser and said his farewell as Chairman. Thanks to Pat and Duncan Gill for leading. Sue Watson