Field trip reports

 Outside the pub at the end of the walk, as the stragglers rolled in, I met Nick who asked if I’d seen anything else in the Skylark field (at least three were singing). I said no, we were hurrying as late for lunch. But he and Annie had seen seven Wheatears! Anyway, apart from that major lapse on my part, it was a lovely springtime walk on a gorgeous morning, once the sun gradually emerged, with a beautiful display of flowers – kingcups (marsh marigold) beside Glebe Pond, and a mass of primroses and celandines in the lanes. Some of us had our first glimpses of House Martin and Swallow as they swooped across the first field, and Chiffchaffs sang everywhere, with almost as many Blackcaps tinkling away and Nuthatches calling. We had Buzzard and Sparrowhawk, the usual Green Woodpecker on the apple trees by the track near Failand House Farm, which then flew to a telegraph pole, and we heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker call. A couple of Song Thrushes sang, also one or two Willow Warblers, our most recent arrivals and a Bullfinch called though was not seen. Stock Dove was noted, flying faster than the many Woodpigeons, and two Coal Tits were seen on a feeder. Nick’s count was 39 species – and there were 28 of us walking. Judy Copeland  

 It was a bright, sunny morning with a fresh south-westerly breeze and a rising tide as Paul Gregory led a group of five out past the cliffs of Uphill onto the Bleadon Levels. The many singing hedgerow birds included plenty of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, probably newly arrived. Out on the marsh, Shelduck and Redshanks were the most numerous species. We noted some Little Egrets (at least five at high tide) and compared leg colour and mantle differences on the larger gulls. As we strolled on to the Weston Sewage Works area we started collecting in the freshwater birds – a Dabchick here, Coots there, and in the end five more ducks including a smart male Shoveler and some lingering Tufted Ducks. Shorebirds were harder to come by, just a couple of Oystercatchers but no sign of the smaller waders we expected. We did have a fly-by Peregrine and a Kestrel, nice views of singing Willow Warblers, Reed Buntings, and a Green Woodpecker flying off. Skylarks added their voices to the chorus, and we were pleased to see a few Swallows which only started arriving in numbers this week. The geography is very interesting around here with Crook Peak behind us and Brean Down in front. We could also see Brent Knoll to the south and the Brecon Beacons stretching away in the distance in glorious sunshine. Thanks very much to Paul for his leadership and a total of 42 species on my list – and I probably missed a couple. This is an area well worth further visits. Jane Cumming  

 The morning started misty but by the time we were leaving the car park – in a part of Eastville Park unfamiliar to many, the sky was beginning to break up. Almost immediately we spotted an occupied Carrion Crow nest which, as it turned out, was the first of several. We headed down through the park towards the River Frome accompanied by the sound of a Chiffchaff and a Song Thrush melodiously serenading from the top of a tree. The river brought us a Grey Wagtail and a group of Long-tailed Tits together with the expected river birds. The lake was relatively quiet although a Mute Swan and a Canada Goose were observed on nests on the island. The highlight of the morning, however, came shortly after the coffee break when a Kingfisher dived and caught a fish directly in front of the leading part of the group. It then conveniently flew a few yards to another twig level with the rear of the group where it proceeded to adjust the position of the fish ready for swallowing, The latter part of the walk took us out of the park along some scrub and woodland behind houses at the edge of Fishponds and by now we were bathed in sunshine. Other notable species seen included Blackcap, Goldfinch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit and a group of five Jays all giving chase to one another. All in all 34 walkers saw some 33 species. The accompaniment of birdsong throughout the morning and the appearance of several butterflies suggested that spring had truly arrived. Thanks to Rich for leading, and especially for taking us to places many of us had never walked before. John Lees  

 There were more Ravens than any other corvid during our walk today, with five seen at close range from our start point at New Fancy View. All the common tits called and displayed around us and our pulses quickened with distant views of raptors but most resolved into Buzzard. A Goshawk did appear after half an hour which was above my expectation given the brisk cold wind. A short drive to Speech House fields, parking beneath a fine stand of Oaks and finding that cameramen had laid bait on a fallen tree trunk to lure in birds – and thus offered us excellent views of Nuthatch, Blue, Great and Coal Tit. The fields – recently used as a marathon start point – were bare until a pair of Mistle Thrushes flew in; they stood immobile for many moments – that strong upright posture, the bold spotted breast, so characteristic of the species. A short walk down the woods looking for Hawfinch only gave us a further view of a dashing Goshawk and a single singing Chiffchaff. The roof of the Beechenhurst café supported two Pied Wagtails and we had our first sighting of Carrion Crow – patrolling the grounds looking for titbits. Back to the cars and on to Cannop Ponds for lunch, during which a pair of the local population of Mandarin Ducks paddled fairly close looking for handouts, the Coot displayed – their wings arched like the Sydney Opera house – and Mute Swan cleared up the leavings at the top of the spillway. As we walked around the ponds we added Grey Wagtail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Greylag Goose to the list and increased our count of Mandarin Duck to 12 (all in pairs). A modest bird list of 34 was seen by most of the 13 people who’d trusted the forecast, and included in that number two new walkers who were most warmly welcomed. (Thank you Nick for leading).  Nick Hawkridge  

 A small but select group gathered in the car park of the RSPB Newport Wetlands reserve in the presence of singing Chiffchaff and Greenfinch. As we made our way to the reserve centre we had the strident anthem of multiple Wrens & Cetti’s Warblers. The forecast of wind and rain proved to be correct as our group headed to the foreshore and lighthouse. It appeared that most passerines were sheltering from the torrid elements while their braver compatriots Pochards, Coots, Tufted Ducks & Little Grebes could be seen riding out the rough waters of the pools. Amongst the Curlews on the shoreline a smaller curlew-like bird was discovered and identified as a Whimbrel. While we sheltered from the inclement weather Teal, Cormorant and Canadian Geese were seen from the hide as well as some unidentified passerines. There was a debate over the parentage of a possible hybrid duck. Was it a Scaup mixed with Tufted or Gadwall duck? We retreated to the visitor centre. On route we found a Goldcrest, Marsh Harrier and another Chiffchaff. Coffee and cakes were on the agenda as we watched small flocks of Greenfinch and Reed Bunting, a female Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Little Grebe demonstrating how small it was, almost under our feet. As the precipitation ceased and the outlook improved the group headed to Goldcliff. The stars of the afternoon were a Spotted Redshank, unfortunately not in summer plumage, and an elegant Greenshank. The supporting cast included Wigeon, Redshank, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Shelduck, and Shovelers. The chorus lines of Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits were disturbed by a maundering Marsh Harrier, but practice was quickly resumed although the sound system seemed muffled probably due to the high winds. Thanks to Nick for leading this field trip in challenging conditions with nearly 50 species seen, identified & recorded. Rich Scantlebury  

 On a mild and sunny day, 25 walkers set out across the Doynton farmland to take a northern route into the Golden Valley. The youngest of us by far was a journalist-in-training from UWE, tasked with interviewing us about our choice of an official UK bird between the suggested options of Robin, Wren or Kingfisher. I hope he wasn’t too bored! Since I was last in this area, two of the quarries have filled up with water providing some interesting new habitat. It seems likely that breeding will be attempted by the pair of Greylags, two pairs of Dabchicks and two pairs of Coots that have taken up residence there – new birds for the site list, I’m sure. The older inhabitants, Raven and Peregrine, were both on station and showed nicely. If that Peregrine isn’t deaf it must have nerves of steel, as it completely ignored a large digger trundling around on the bank only about 20 yards above its perch. Familiarity breeds indifference? Other birds of interest included a pair of Mistle Thrushes, so large and grey compared with the Song Thrush; at least four singing Chiffchaffs which were probably new arrivals; a Blackcap in close proximity to a fat-ball feeder who had probably wintered there; also Buzzard, Jay, Goldcrest and Meadow Pipit to add to the usual field and woodland species. Sadly, any Dipper on the river must have fled long before we all tramped over its bridge. It was a lovely early-spring morning, and thanks to Margaret for showing us some new footpaths through a beautiful rural landscape.                  Jane Cumming  

 A new walk in warm spring sunshine, vocal lambs, Celandines and Primroses, plenty of bird-life – truly glorious! Led by David Tombs, 25 of us set off from opposite the Village Hall just as the sun was breaking through the mist. Our departure was marked by the busy, noisy occupants of the Rookery in the trees above. Some were still repairing their nests; others might already have been sitting on eggs. After crossing the playing field, we entered the wide valley of the Doncombe Brook, having already seen a flock of 150 Common Gulls wheeling high above, as well as Long-tailed Tit, a flock of Chaffinches in a ploughed field, one Buzzard sitting in a tree and another Buzzard calling above us. As we entered the edge of Cloud Wood we heard Skylark, then Nuthatch, and noted Goldcrest, Wren, Pheasant and Magpie. At coffee break, before we entered Marshfield Wood, we saw a Kestrel being mobbed by a Crow while a Buzzard circled nearby. In the wood, a pair of Ravens were calling, and Chaffinch, Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard. Back near the village, Jackdaw, Bullfinch, Jay and Yellowhammer were seen. Then, in the churchyard, came what for some was the star sighting: a female Grey Wagtail seeking insects on the church roof. As it posed obligingly, revelling in the sunshine, we admired its bright yellow markings which showed so well against the roof tiles. Species recorded, 37. Thank you, David, for finding and leading the walk – we hope it will become a regular.  John Beaven  

 A group of 25 set out from the Druids Arms on a beautiful morning. Beneath the hedgerows and along the banks the early flowers of spring, the celandines, daffodils and primroses, provided welcome splashes of colour and the Stanton Drew stone circle gave us an historical theme. We were quickly treated to the sounds of many birds including Robins, House Sparrows, Great Tits and Wrens. This continued throughout the morning. We passed a garden which had some bird feeders one of which looked rather strange as it consisted of a long string to which was attached a quarter of a red cabbage about 18 inches above the ground. Having failed to think of any birds that might feed on red cabbage we then saw the chickens! We heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming and then spotted a flock of about 80 Starlings flying over. Later we saw another flock of about 30. Chiffchaff were either seen or heard and Coal Tit was added to our list. Small flocks of Common Gulls and Goldfinches of 19 and 35 respectively were also seen. A small number of Fieldfares and Redwings probably on their way north were in the nearby trees. We climbed Knowle Hill to gain a splendid view of Chew Valley Lake and on the way down we heard the sounds of a flock of birds in a large ash tree and were surprised to find there were over 60 Linnets. We saw a Kestrel mobbing a Buzzard and soon after some had a fleeting view of a Sparrowhawk. We passed some farm buildings and had nice views of four Yellowhammers on top of the barns. We had a total of 39 species and, thanks to Nick Hawkridge’s splendid record keeping, a total of almost 500 birds. It was an extremely enjoyable morning and many thanks to Maureen and Bill Dobie for leading the walk.          Mike Landen

 On a blustery morning 21 of us donned our waterproofs for a walk around Elm Farm where the land is managed under the Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme. As we set off we saw Goldfinch, Blue and Great Tit and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Not far down the track we saw our first Yellowhammer and a little further on a flock of 20 took off from a field margin planted for winter feed. As we walked downhill our first Buzzard was spotted against the blue sky, the threatening rain clouds having departed. We walked through a small wood in the hope of seeing Woodcock that are there but most were disappointed; a splinter group of four who walked the field adjacent to the wood were however rewarded with a sight of one flushed downhill by the rest of us. Fieldfares and Redwings were seen in small numbers on several occasions along with a few Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. We spotted a couple of hares in different parts of the walk – a bit early for a boxing display though – as well as Roe Deer. Several of the meadows we walked through have been sown with extensive wild flower mixes to provide food for insects and birds and will no doubt give an excellent visual display in a couple of months or so. Thanks to Roger Palmer for leading, Philippa Paget for explaining the management of the land and John Paget for providing a lift for those who wanted one up the hill. In all we saw 39 species. Mark Watson  

The cold east wind was barely offset by the warm sun; the track from The Sperrings to the lake thus offered a brief respite. Our walk began with a small party of House Sparrow on the roofs, with Goldfinch close by, but at the lake the sun threw such a dazzle on the water that those ducks and geese present were reduced to inky silhouettes. An obliging Redwing offered us clear views down to 10m, the eye stripe of this fine bird being particularly bright and the rufous under wing patches were simply bursting up the breast. The lake held plenty of Black-headed Gulls, some fine Mute Swans, Canada Goose, the usual duck population, a solitary Little Egret and just as we were moving from the water’s edge, a pair of Gadwalls churning across the billows. Before leaving the path a Mistle Thrush and two Song Thrushes had been seen, closely followed by more Redwings who lifted from the pasture at our approach and were kept company by several Chaffinches. A stray Grey Wagtail flew over as we made our way along the back lanes, with two Buzzards sitting atop posts and flying off as we mustered for coffee. Further along, one field held a creeping carpet of Meadow Pipits and the alders close by had Treecreeper, Long-tailed and Coal Tit. A field on the corner of the lane held two Stonechats and a different carpet, this time of feeding Black-headed Gulls who suddenly exploded into flight. A large, so probably female, Sparrowhawk circled and then flew quickly away. Following the top track back towards the Common, another field contained plenty of Redwings but we could only find two Fieldfares among them plus another good count of Chaffinches. Dropping down towards the cars a Bullfinch called from the hedge and Nuthatch from the top of the beech trees. In the hedge, try as we might, we could only locate five House Sparrows – the noise was that of 20. As we took our leave of the other 28 walkers the tally was 48 for the day. Our thanks to John for leading. Nick and Annie Hawkridge