Field trip reports

It was a glorious spring morning and 26 Tuesday walkers set off out of Bridgeyate towards Siston Common and Webbs Heath. Nine species of birds were recorded around the housing estate including Herring Gull, Collared Dove, Dunnock and Starling. As we walked along the Dramway path and down to the stream, a Bullfinch was calling from the hedgerow. A Song Thrush was singing loudly high in the trees but we could not spot him. We walked up a long hill and into Warmley forest and saw twenty Magpies sitting on the hilltop grass and we tried to decide whether it was the males or females displaying. There were magnificent old oak trees silhouetted against the bright blue sky together with alder trees which were a beautiful purple colour from bursting buds. Two Jays darted back and forth from tree to scrub while three Buzzards circled overhead. There were small groups of Long-tailed Tits flying from ash tree to ash tree accompanied by Blue Tits and Great Tits. Chaffinches, Robin, and Dunnocks were seen in the hedgerows and two House Sparrows were performing upside down together on a tree, maybe looking for insects or a complicated mating ritual! The wistful sound of a Goldcrest was heard and it was seen hopping high in an oak tree. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were heard drumming on opposite sides of the valley .We passed a small lake and saw a male and female Mallard Duck sitting contently on the bank in the sun. We recorded 29 species of birds. Thank you to David Body for leading this really beautiful walk through woodlands, hills, valleys and streams.

The planned walk was to watch winter thrushes and Blackcaps feasting on the masses of Sea Buckthorn berries in an area of the dunes at Berrow that gets very little attention from birdwatchers. Unfortunately, the snow fall early in the year heralded the arrival of thousands of birds, which subsequently devoured virtually every single berry. Our meeting point was the small car park along the coast road. Twelve members/non-members duly arrived 9 on a glorious spring morning, bright sunshine and crystal blue skies. However, they missed best birds which had already passed over while I was waiting for the attendees. The first was a fine Red Kite drifting northeast being mobbed by a couple of Crows, quickly followed by two Siskins and three Redpolls also heading north. These sightings buoyed my optimism for the meeting. A very pleasant walk however yielded very little. We all enjoyed excellent views of several Bullfinches and Linnets. Once on the beach, where the sea nearly looked blue, we had plenty of Sanderling and Dunlin dashing along the tide edge allowing a great comparison of these species. Two Shoveler flew past over the sea, these are unusual here. On such a lovely day, it’s sometimes just great to be outside enjoying the coastal fresh air. Thank you to all who attended and for Andrew Slade for leading.

On a chilly grey morning 22 birdwatchers met at The Perrings, Nailsea for a walk round Backwell Lake and the local countryside towards Chelvey Batch and Manor. Two Little Egrets were on the bank at the lake, one already with breeding plumes but the Goosander which are normally present during winter were absent. However, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and Gadwall were present with the usual Mallard, Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Moorhens and Coot. A few Common Gulls were on the water with the Black-headed Gulls and a couple of Lesser Black-backed Gulls. In the Alder trees we saw plenty of Goldfinches and two Siskins. At the bridge by the end of the lake we saw a Tree Creeper and some Redwings. Several lucky members of the group had seen Bullfinch and a female Blackcap in the trees by the AWT reserve. As we walked along Youngwood Lane we added more Redwing, a Song Thrush and Pied Wagtails in the fields with the horses. There were Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits along the hedgerows with Chaffinches, one of which was already calling in sub-song. Other highlights of the morning were a pair of Peregrines circling overhead, a Buzzard and a Kestrel hovering. Fieldfares were added to the list of winter thrushes. It was a rather muddy walk but very enjoyable. We saw the first Celandines and Violets of spring. In total 43 species of bird were seen. Thanks to John and Sue Prince for leading.

A Wild Goose Chase and Much More A party of 17 departed Bristol in good order on the Friday morning, 13 in the minibus and four outriders travelling by car; destination – the comfortable Burleigh Hotel in Hunstanton. This was definitely a winter event with weather ranging from bracing to bleak – strong winds throughout and some brief flurries of snow on the second day. We did, fortunately, avoid rain. During the journey interesting spots from the minibus just south of Peterborough were Red Kites and our first Barn Owl. Arriving at Tottenhill Ponds early afternoon gave us three Smews and other waterfowl including a flock of Greylag Geese. From there we went to Roydon Common to enjoy good views of five Hen Harriers – four ringtails and a male. The day ended at Snettisham to see the evening spectacle of the Pink-footed Geese arriving to roost on The Wash – or so we thought. The geese had other ideas, having adopted a different roosting location. Ah well! Having settled into the Burleigh, morning walks on the beach offered some interesting birds including Fulmars and a Shag and gave an appetite for breakfast. On Saturday the main destination was the splendid RSPB Reserve at Titchwell with its well-stocked visitor centre, commodious hides and sea-viewing on the beach for the hardier. There were excellent views of Avocets and a Water Pipit amongst many others. Leaving Titchwell we visited Thornham Marshes, Burnham Overy, Lady Anne’s Drive at Holkham (our one view of a White-fronted Goose), Wells Quay and Choseley Barns. We had further views of Barn Owl and Brown Hares on the way back to Hunstanton. Throughout the weekend skeins of geese were seen going to and fro but the Pink-footed Geese kept their distance, usually at a height. However, large numbers of Brent and Greylag Geese were much more approachable and on our last day we passed a grazing flock of Egyptian Geese. Day three, Sunday, started with a visit to Cley which produced a Purple Sandpiper on one of the pools and sightings of Common Scoters and Red-throated Divers on the sea. After refreshments in the cosy Cley Visitors’ Centre we moved onto Salthouse Beach and found a flock of Snow Buntings and were struck by their effective camouflage – difficult to pick out on the shingle, having landed less than 20 yards away. Next it was the Hawk and Owl Trust’s reserve at Sculthorpe where there were several further views of a Barn Owl. We enjoyed a hide looking onto feeders which, apart from the usual visitors, attracted Marsh Tits, a Nuthatch, Bullfinches, Bramblings and a Water Rail. The last day started on Snettisham Beach in sunshine with a high tide pushing large numbers of waders in. Next was our third and final circuit of “The Wolferton Triangle” – three intersecting roads near the Sandringham estate -said to be a haunt of Golden Pheasant but we drew yet another blank*. However, a Muntjac was seen by some as compensation. … Read more

Elm Farm at Burnett, run by Philippa and John is under a stewardship scheme, so plenty of areas are left uncut and some areas are seeded for wildlife. With the rain after snow it was wet underfoot and the standing water in some fields developed quite well during our walk! Ten walkers were undeterred by the showers and pleased with our haul of 28 species. Several large flocks of mixed Fieldfare and Redwing were seen throughout but only the occasional Starling. Chaffinches were plentiful but we didn’t find any Brambling among them. We only identified one Yellowhammer for sure and some flocks of possible Linnet. A big party of Raven – some doing the tumble – came over, while another was being harassed by a Sparrowhawk who then confirmed his ID, going into a steep dive toward us, flashing across the path and away into a copse of ash trees. Down by the pond where the Owl and Kestrel boxes are, a lone Grey Heron stood – quite still – but looking very thin. Nothing else stirred although there was a hint of brown at the entrance to the Kestrel box – a nest prospector or, more likely, a foul weather refugee. The hoped for Woodcock didn’t materialise, and the Mistle Thrush was missing from his usual spot, although we did hear one singing from the woods. A Treecreeper was located and shown to most of us. Back at the farm, the feeder was playing host to many Blue and Great Tits, Gold and Green Finches and the boss of them all – House Sparrow. Thanks to Roger for leading this lovely walk and to Philippa for coming round with us and sharing her knowledge. Nick Hawkridge

Thirty one people met at Portbury for one lap around the reserve on a bright and cold morning. As we started, a Grey Heron flew over and a Robin ticked from the bushes. At a bird feeder those rare birds House Sparrows shared the food with Blue and Great Tits. At the top of Wharf Lane the Little Owl showed well, eyes closed against the bright sun. From the middle hide, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and Pochard were abundant and careful scrutiny revealed three Snipe at the waters edge of the island. It is a rare day indeed, even in summer, when you can stand on the sea bank and feel comfortable. The temperature was close to freezing but a total absence of wind and bright sun made our coffee break very pleasant as we watched Redshank, Shelduck and Dunlin on the estuary mud. On our way back through the fields, Bullfinch were seen and from where our cars were parked we observed Redwing worming in the adjacent field and two Buzzard soared to complete a very satisfactory total of 43 species. Roger Hawley

Being retired and a Tuesday birder, it’s not often that I venture forth for a grown-up day at the weekend. As Nigel Milbourne, patch specialist, was leading I made a special effort to attend. I wasn’t disappointed and am sure the others in the group weren’t either. Nigel was confident we would see 50 species during the morning’s walk. BL is a haven for Tufted Duck, Coot, Wigeon and Pochard and these were seen aplenty. The strong SW wind had cleared most of the gulls from the dam wall but we did manage to ID the 5 most common species on our trip round. Five species of Thrush were also seen – nice that Fieldfare and Redwing were in the same oak tree to allow comparison and a pair of Mistle Thrushes stood to attention on the meadow to display their chest markings. We had a detailed lesson (six scopes being utilised) on the identification of Lesser Scaup, which stayed more or less in the same area for our education – poor light levels and distance made the upper mandible ‘Black Nail tip’ hard to distinguish. (Nigel later showed us a full size reproduction to round off the class). Black-necked Grebe showed surprisingly well for such a small bird in the choppy water conditions, although its cousin the Little Grebe was far less accommodating. The Great Crested Grebes we saw had no breeding plumage head gear visible. Two pairs of Goldeneye were found but the courting display previously seen wasn’t repeated. A wisp of 40 Snipe were flushed from the lake margins with an attendant Grey Heron plus the singular sound of a female Teal making her exit. Our final species was seen from the dam end of the lake looking into Butcombe Bay, a fine pair of Goosander. Nine damp birders finished with a count of 51 species. Thanks to Nigel for leading this most enlightening morning’s birding. Nick Hawkridge

28 people set off on a very calm day. It was a shame that it was a low tide with no hope of seeing the Purple Sandpipers, but at the start a Grey Wagtail was seen just over the sea wall, with Goldfinch in a nearby tree. Walking along the front to the lake we saw Mallard, four or five Pochards, female Tufted Duck and numerous Moorhen and Mute Swan. Pied Wagtails milled about on the edge of the lake and on the shore Meadow Pipits were swirling around and two Linnets and a Curlew were spotted on the mud. We made a quick stop at Battery Point and then on through East Wood which was very quiet with only the occasional Blue and Great Tit, although some of the group at the rear saw Long-tailed Tit as well. At Portishead Pier we all had very good views of the male Black Redstart, which was a first sighting for at least five people. There was a large flock of at least 400/500 Dunlins together with Redshank and Shelduck scattered on the mud. We made our way along the dock side to the swimming pool, where Goldcrest were seen flitting from tree to tree, and then back to the coast and along to the Sailing Club where six Turnstones were very busy feeding on the seaweed. A total of 34 species seen. Geoff Harris

At least 26 members appeared in the car park (several others arrived later!) After the horrid weather of previous days, it was a joy to arrive in bright sunshine. A perfect morning, added to which it was just after high tide, so the Dumbles and Tack Piece were full of birds, dominated by large flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover, Dunlin and Wigeon. It was just a case of scanning through these to find the less numerous species. The Bewick’s Swans were easy and useful pointers to where the Ruff, Pintail, Shoveler and others were. There was a neat flock of Redshanks including one Spotted Redshank and a nice line of Black-tailed Godwits. Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck and Mallard were also noted. A small flock of White-fronted Geese was settled into the far side of the Tack Piece whilst out on the Dumbles, Canada and Barnacle Geese were showing, as well as Buzzards and two Peregrines. It was not long before the latter were off and put most of the waders to flight. It was spectacular! On our walk around the various hides many song birds were noted as well as Water Rail and Mandarin (full-winged birds). I ought to mention a few others: Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Lesser Redpoll and Chaffinch, also Grey Heron and Curlew. (Sadly we missed the Bittern, again.) I’ve just mentioned some of the, at least, 54 species seen during a splendid morning’s walk in fine weather. Robin Prytherch

Firstly, thank you to Wendy Dickson our leader and guide for showing us the beautiful countryside and bird watching sites of Northumberland. The weather was glorious which enabled our group of 13 to have non-stop bird watching for the whole week. On picking up the mini-bus at Newnham Hall, (expertly driven by Nick and Sue ), we headed north, stopping for lunch at RSPB Old Moor, west of Doncaster. There were some surprises (this reserve is in the middle of an enterprise park): Ringed Plover, Dunlin, four Ruff in breeding plumage, Turnstone and Avocet with chicks were seen. The feeders in the car park produced a family of Tree Sparrows and a pair of Bullfinches. We continued our journey north to Embleton where the comfortable Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel awaited the weary travellers. After supper some of the group were refreshed enough to take a walk through the pretty village to the beach where Swifts were soaring, Sedge and Reed Warblers were heard and Grey Partridge were roosting in the hedges. Thursday dawned with low cloud and mist, but this didn’t dampen our spirits, we were off to the Farne Islands. We travelled to Seahouses where we boarded “Glad Tidings” and sailed first to Staple Island. On the way we encountered Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin. On landing the sight, noise and smell was something to behold. Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin were all vying for the smallest crag to nest and rear young. The comings and goings were constant with the Guillemots doing a Mexican Wave every time a Gull flew over them. From Staple Island we sailed to Inner Farne – what a sight! Thousands and thousands of Terns: Sandwich, Common and Arctic were breeding. Yes, a number of us were chosen for a peck on the head by an Arctic. Holy Island was visited on Friday. Driving over the causeway, Wendy showed us the path the Pilgrims take to the island. At low tide it is possible to walk across the sands following an ancient route known as Pilgrims’ Way. This route is marked with posts and has refuge boxes for stranded walkers, just as the road has a refuge box for those who have left their crossing too late. A walk around the island produced a Barn Owl hunting for food and carrying prey back to its nest; Eider and Scoter at sea from the sand dunes; Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear were sighted in the fields. On our return journey to the hotel we called at Budle Bay where a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were enjoying the lovely late afternoon’s sun together with Curlew, Redshank and Eider. Saturday saw us visiting Harthorpe Valley. This is a very pretty, narrow and in places steep sided wooded valley which produced Red Grouse, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo, Treecreeper, Ring Ouzel, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear and Lesser Redpoll. There was an early tide on Sunday morning so everyone was up bright and … Read more