Field trip reports

 The day started windless, cloudless and humidly warm and 22 birders sat enthralled on the first ‘old fort’ high point, with its magnificent 180 degrees of crisp and clear view across the Severn Vale. This became our first rest and refreshment break and birds noted up to then were about 18 and included House Sparrow, Crow, Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Blackcap, Dunnock, Raven, Swift and Lesser Black-backed Gull. There was also a good showing of butterflies from Ringlets and Blues to Peacocks. There were further extensive views of the Severn Vale as we walked towards the second, and larger, ‘old fort’ as well as views of the rolling hills in Wiltshire Following the welcome shade, as we descended a tree-lined path, several morning-only birders broke away to leave about 14 of us to enjoy our packed lunches as we sat on conveniently placed tree logs in a field with good views over Chipping Sodbury. Refreshed, we walked on and looked in at Old Sodbury Church before the long walk back to our start point, having added Chaffinch, Wren, House Martin, Coot, Mistle Thrush, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Kestrel to our total of 34 birds on the list, kindly recorded by Nick Hawkridge. David Tombs

 14 members met on a warm and sunny evening at New Fancy View. We first climbed up to the viewing platform. It was relatively quiet although Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Blackcap, Nuthatch and Swift were either seen or heard or both. We then drove to Cannop Ponds and had a delightful walk round the eastern shore of the southern Pond and then back along the cycle path to the stone works. We had a really good view of eleven juvenile Mandarins. Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins swooped down over the pond feeding on the abundant insects. We then walked through part of Russell’s Inclosure, where Nightjars had been seen the previous year. Although the ground of the plantation had become somewhat densely covered with bracken there was a particular part opposite which looked promising. After a 45 minute wait and the light fast fading we were rewarded with a Nightjar flying over our heads and landing in a tree a few feet away. It was then really good to hear it “churring” at such a close distance. About 30 species were encountered. However we decided it was very much the quality of the experience rather than the quantity of birds that made the evening memorable. Mike Johnson

 Twenty five members, including two new ones, met at the Globe Inn, Frampton Cotterell on a very overcast but warm morning. Before we set off up along the Frome Valley the leader warned everyone about the possibility of ticks – fortunately none were encountered. By the time we reached the coffee stop it had really warmed up and the sun was out. Along the riverbank we had all spotted the lovely yellow and grey of the Grey Wagtail and a singing Song Thrush. Near the end of the walk some heard and others saw a Yellowhammer and even a Goldcrest was spotted – making a total of 25 species for the day. A very enjoyable walk that also included various butterflies, damsel flies and many wild flowers. Thanks to Peter for leading. Dave Body  

 Walking conditions were ideal for the twenty who came today – sunny with some cloud. Through the village we were aware of considerable numbers of House Sparrows, Jackdaws, House Martins and Carrion Crows with a few Swallows, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit and Wren. Going down Nine Barrows Lane and across the lower fields, Rook, Blackbird, Great Tit, Chaffinch and Robin were seen or heard but only a single Long-tailed Tit. Songs were more fragmentary or muted than a month ago. In particular a Blackcap’s song was initially unrecognised by some of us. On the high ground by the Barrows, the wide sky revealed several distant Buzzards, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and half a dozen Ravens. A small group of Linnets flew overhead, as well as Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. Meadow Brown & Ringlet butterflies abounded amongst the long grasses. Down at the pond a Coot was on the water and Reed Bunting and Reed Warbler could be heard but not seen. Dragonflies and Mayflies swarmed low over the pond and reeds. Nearby, Burnet moths were emerging from their chrysalides and a Marbled White butterfly enjoyed the sunshine. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs sang occasionally. On our return towards the village three Mistle Thrushes flew low overhead “clicking” and a single Swift passed by at high altitude. The final bird on our list was a Greenfinch. Thanks to Nick Hawkridge for keeping a detailed record (Total 33 species) Bill & Maureen Dobie  

 Eleven members met at the lay-by on the Marshfield bypass on a fine sunny evening. We stuck to the lanes on the north side of the bypass, avoiding the muddy track. Our first sighting was of Swallows and Swifts busily soaring and diving after the numerous insects in the evening air. Then we came across a recently mown field on our left with a great flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls and Carrion Crows. On the other side of the road we saw, and some of us heard, our first Corn Bunting sitting in the top of a distant tree. Several more were spotted later on. Moving on, a Sparrowhawk was sighted and flocks of Rooks with young made their presence known. The roadside verges were bright with the beautiful blue Meadow Cranesbill, together with Scabious, Knapweed and the yellow Ladies Bedstraw. Further on, near farm buildings, we had sightings of Yellowhammers, resplendent in their bright yellow plumage. Also Pied Wagtails, both adults and young, were seen hopping about on the roof of a barn. On our return, flocks of Starlings with young flew by preparing for their evening roost. We were also delighted to hear Red-legged Partridge in a field close to the road, but they didn’t show themselves. In a tree nearby some activity was spotted which turned out to be Great Tits feeding their young. Then a Grey Heron flew overhead. Other common birds seen were Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Woodpigeon, Linnet, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, House Martin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Dunnock and a Pheasant. Our final sighting of the evening was of a Buzzard sitting on a telegraph pole. In total 27 species were identified. We did not see any Quail but, all in all, it was a very enjoyable evening out. Many thanks to Louise Bailey, who stood in for Charles Stapleton to lead the walk. Clive Burton.  

 Unlike previous years when the rain has been incessant or in deluge form, today was hot – hot – hot. Renowned for its lung-busting hill at the finish it was no surprise that only eight brave souls made the effort. From the shady side of the car park we had good views of Coal and Blue Tit, but special mention to the Nuthatches that played chase into the trees directly above. Along the lane towards the Chimney, the song or rather half the song of a Blackcap was heard – ‘it must be close’ and it was, throat pulsing to produce its liquid refrain. Nothing avian on the pond, but one splendid water lily, Common Newts on the surface, (we counted ten) and a Broad-bodied Chaser, fast and furious – out from its reed stem patrol around the area and back onto the stem – what a fat, powerful, powder blue body and swept wings he had. Spotted Orchid along the path down into the woods above the farm, where the first of the Raven was heard, and the first of six Chiffchaff called close by – very brave. A welcome rest in the shade for coffee and ‘I spy Swallows and House Martins’. Into Harptree Combe with more Chiffchaff and Blackcap calling, numerous Wrens, an obliging Treecreeper posing for us all, and a Song Thrush singing us out onto the road. Up through the village and our expected scream of Swift materialised, but it wasn’t until we’d climbed off the road that we got to do a proper count which was twelve. We admired a food-carrying Grey Wagtail, who refused to dive down towards her nest until we’d all got well clear. The final climb, with frequent rests to admire the view over CVL, a final Buzzard, a single Pied Wagtail and a couple of Linnets, finished our total at 29. Well done to all the walkers for ‘surviving’ this hot day and to Geoff for leading this beautiful walk. Nick Hawkridge  

 It was a warm sunny day with a light north-easterly breeze. 20 members met opposite Hinton Blewitt church and walked through the villages of Hinton Blewitt and Coley to the reservoirs. There were all the usual birds around, plenty of nesting House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, Starlings, Wrens, Jackdaws and House Martins and Swallows. We saw a Mistle Thrush carrying food to its chicks. The water levels were high on the lakes. Two families of Mallard had young, Coots were nesting and a pair of Great Crested Grebes had a youngster riding on the parents’ back and being fed fish by its father. There was a dabchick but no Wagtails, Herons or Cormorants. We saw two Sparrowhawks flying high over the reservoirs and several Common Buzzards as well. A pair of Shelduck were perhaps unusual in this area. Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen and heard. The usual route back was surprisingly muddy which meant some detours and scrambling up the banks. We did add Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Yellowhammer to the list. The green lane was good for butterflies including Brimstone, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood. It was an interesting walk of just over five miles with a total of 43 species seen. (Thanks to John and Sue Prince for leading.) Sue Prince.  

 What a treat awaited us as we 22 Tuesday walkers assembled at the car park of Woodchester Park. A deep, densely-wooded valley with sides so steep that the trees providing us with a gorgeously dappled-shaded canopy – seemed amazingly tall. Ponds, one meandering so gracefully into the distance the eye was immediately drawn to far shore. A low mellow-stoned building where we lunched whilst thinking about its construction and previous use and a magnificent many-chimnied mansion. The National Trust leaflet describes Woodchester as “beautiful, peaceful, lovely and elegant”. Matt, an NT ranger who came to talk to us about the work being done here, said it was ‘romantic and tranquil’. We learnt how they are nurturing, amongst other things, the bat population – Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats who have a summer roost and nursery in the mansion – and that the building we were in was the kennels. And the birds? Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Wren, Blackbird, in the valley, with Song Thrush heard. Our first sighting of a Buzzard at the top, Blue and Great Tits at our coffee stop, Coots with young, Mallard and Treecreeper at the Old Pond, Tufted Duck, Grey Wagtails (described as ‘dancing on their tails’ by one of our party) and a Hobby at Middle Pond. Swallows at the kennels and House Martins and Rook at the Mansion, plus a handsome Mistle Thrush resting on the railings allowing us time to admire him. We also met three Exeter University PhD students looking for 15 badgers who had tracking collars; they located eight of them. Thank you Nancy for leading this lovely walk, providing us with a comfortable, pretty glade for elevenses and arranging for Matt to come and share his knowledge with us. It was a beautiful and interesting day with 31 species in all. Annie Hawkridge Boc Tue 10 June 2014 Woodchester Glen Ruth Stanton Belted Galoway cattle    

 By sticking strictly to time (10 o’clock start), we couldn’t count Little Egret, two of which flew over the car park, reasoning that we’d pick them up later. That held good for the Kestrel that came over at about the same time – we had three sightings of them, but alas the Egrets eluded us. The climb to the Trig Point netted us Chiffchaff, but not a squeak from a Greenish Warbler that was here the day before. The falling tide had left four Oystercatcher and some Shelduck feeding on the mud, but few other species apart from the gulls heading out towards Flat or Steep Holm. All 16 of us made it to Sand Point and what a lovely breeze was blowing to cool our brows in the sun. The first sighting of Cuckoo was made there and we saw it (or another) three more times over the course of the walk. A few Swifts and Swallows were feeding by the point and the first flight of Linnets also came over. On towards a welcome sit, coffee and chat gave us a flight of Feral Pigeons, a lone Rock Pipit and, carried on the wind, the shrill song of a Wren. All was fairly quiet up to the lunch stop on the banks of the River Banwell where we fed, rested, and listened to the Greenfinch wheezing, Robin singing and a Garden Warbler singing a truncated version of his song. Back along Middle Hope with the estuary on our right, we heard several Whitethroats but only got a good view of one. Our last species of the 35 of the day was a Blackcap singing from the underbrush by the rear entrance to the car park. An ice-cream was most welcome at the finish. Nick Hawkridge  

 A change of plan and what a good day you missed! The weather was kind and the four members who met Gordon in the car park were soon off to Bowling Green Marsh to see a ‘lifer’ for most –a Ross’s Gull. There was also a Little Gull and Mediterranean Gull in amongst the Black-headed Gulls, summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and various duck and goose species. Back at Aylesbeare Common we were joined by another member for a while as we explored the paths on the RSPB reserve; Stonechat, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap were amongst the birds identified. The unmistakeable song of a Tree Pipit soon enabled us to see him, but the Dartford Warblers (previously seen in this area) evaded us. Of the 30 species of butterfly recorded on this reserve, we were only able to identify Small Heath, Brimstone and Green Hairstreak. After lunch, we visited the Axe Estuary Wetlands – more specifically Black Hole Marsh and went to the Tower and Island hides. A good variety of birds including Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Little Egret and Grey Heron were seen. Four adult Canada Geese had ten young between them and we also saw young Shelduck, a Coot and Oystercatcher sitting on their nests. The Bee-eaters reported that day across the river in Axmouth did not come our way. The two webcams in the information centre showed a Blue Tit nest with young and a nest with young Kestrels. About 50 species were seen during the day. Many thanks to Gordon for leading and his local knowledge and also for driving this small group between venues. Rosemary Brown