Field trip reports

Ten of us started walking the windswept track westward. Our first delights were Warblers: Reed, Sedge, Cetti’s, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, and Chiffchaff and only 100 yards covered. The next 100 yards were fantastic; a group of four Hobbies turning, darting, sprinting as they chased Swallows and House Martins. Rising above all this madness 20+ Bar-tailed Godwits fled east. A Buzzard floated serenely above them and to our left there was an Osprey with a tasty meal, slung fore and aft beneath, clenched in its awesome talons. A further few yards and we were rewarded with a Great White Egret, initially floundering in too deep water, then landing and starting to fish. With scopes all set to admire this beauty (three Darvic leg rings Red White Black) our interest was further tweaked by a loose group of 17 Black-tailed Godwits, some preening, some sleeping, but none feeding. A small group of Gadwall, some Coot and a lone Moorhen completed this ensemble. A male Reed Bunting sang from the top of a bush as we turned to continue our walk. We all trouped into the Meare Heath Hide for elevenses; the normally teeming waters held a solitary Pochard. Maybe our luck had changed – but it hadn’t ! Two Bitterns flopped down into the reeds on our right and as we left, a Marsh Harrier also shot off to the right. The woods were full of Blackcap and Wren, and then, on the stiffish breeze we heard “Cuckoo, Cuckoo.” Heading to the other hide came the unmistakable call of Goldcrest, which then showed itself. No pine type trees for miles, so there are exceptions. Double-decker Cormorants’ nests were perched on the dead branches above the very full lake and the ever present Lesser Black-backed Gulls were cruising over the reeds, watchful for a lax parent surrendering a tasty offspring. On our way back to the car park for lunch another Marsh Harrier was sighted and a couple of Kingfisher, one sitting, desperate to be admired, which it was. Would we be so lucky after lunch? Yes! An Osprey was sitting on top of a T bar in the reeds, giving ample time to register the markings and make a stab at its gender. Another Kingfisher showed well, and there was an actual sighting of a Willow Warbler. The day finished with our 48th and 49th species – a pair of Little Grebe and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Great birding, convivial company, kind weather – who could ask for more? Well done ‘The Levels’. Nick and Annie Hawkridge.

Despite the weather forecast 20 members joined me as we invaded Hazel’s cottage garden on Inglestone Common for our annual BBQ. After the social part of the evening we assembled outside, suitable booted, to enable Hazel to guide the party first by car to the Lodge and then a 20 minute walk along the very muddy Lower Woods paths to listen to two, possibly three, singing Nightingales (once the Thrushes and Robins were quiet). It’s quite true that it’s possible for the Tuesday walkers to be quiet when necessary! Another brilliant evening with many thanks to all who helped to organise the event, provided the refreshments (you should have seen the desserts again this year) and in particular thanks to Hazel and John for their warm hospitality. Peter Holbrook

Fourteen members met up at Ashcott Corner car park for this visit to the dual reserves of Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall. Early highlights included a singing Garden Warbler in the bushes near the car park as well as Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, and other common species on the walk towards Meare Heath lagoon. Overhead, Swallows and Swifts were joined by House Martins. The water held the usual Great Crested Grebes, Coots, Moorhens and common duck species. Bitterns boomed unseen, and distant Cuckoos called, and the explosive song of the Cetti’s Warbler was a constant accompaniment to the chattering Reed and Sedge Warblers in the reedbeds. Some of us were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Cetti’s before it disappeared into the undergrowth. The lagoon itself held Lapwing, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits, two types of Alba Wagtail and a Little Ringed Plover and overhead Buzzards, Marsh Harrier and Hobbies were competing for attention. The walk towards Meare Heath Bridge produced good views of displaying Whitethroats, more Hobbies, Cormorants and a Grey Heron in flight. Whilst the whole group did not continue to Noah’s Hide, the members that did reported Marsh Harrier and Bitterns in flight views. The return to Ashcott Corner produced more of the same species and the entrance to Ham Wall produced good views of a Great White Egret, and then a Kingfisher for some observers. Lingerers were rewarded with good views of both Garden Warbler and Cetti’s Warbler. Moving on to the first viewing platform, a definite highlight of the trip was a view of two Bitterns chasing each other in flight, intentions unknown! A third Bittern appeared briefly in the reeds at the back of the pool. A Little Grebe was present on the water, and a stunning male Whinchat posed for all in front of the platform. The rest of the walk added several more common species to the list, a second Great White Egret, a Little Egret, a very obliging Garden Warbler and more Hobbies. In all 54 species were seen on a surprisingly fine spring day! Thanks to Mike Johnson for leading. Stuart Matthews

On a day dominated by extreme weather with trees toppled, roads flooded, and constant driving rain and wind, we arrived at Newport Wetlands Centre to find that all of three people (including the leader!) were ready to brave the elements. However the birds were undaunted despite the weather, and we totted up a very respectable tally of 36 species in the hour and a half that we spent before tumbling into the café to warm up, and to add a few more species through the window!! Almost as soon as we stepped out of the car Goldfinches were popping out of the bushes, Cetti’s, Sedge and Reed warblers were warbling away in the reeds, and the sound of a pig squealing revealed the presence of a Water Rail. A possible “ping” suggested that there was a Bearded Tit lurking somewhere but they were sensibly not showing themselves in the teeth of the gale. Nearer the shore the tide was out and the mudflats were enjoyed by a Curlew as well as about half a dozen Whimbrel, plus the usual Dunlin, Shelduck and Oystercatchers. On the rocks below us was a flock of rosy Linnets and a brightly plumaged Wheatear. On the ponds were lots of Tufted Ducks and Pochards, and from the newish but nicely recycled hide we saw a very handsome Great Crested Grebe. Swallows and Sand Martins flew over in good numbers, and as we opened the door to the hide, a flock of Swallows twittered their way out through an open window. All the time we were in there they were doing a flypast in front of the hide, and even diving past our faces back into the hide, no doubt checking it out as a possible nest site. Eventually when we got to the point that our binoculars were being blown out of our hands we called it a day. It was a memorable morning, for the birds, the weather and that hot cup of coffee! Thank you very much Charles for leading. Sue Black

A glorious day (hardly any rain) and mud glorious mud. Only the leader had her wellies on and a recce just beforehand would have been a good idea (it was done a month earlier when all was dry and the bluebells were just starting)! The bluebells today gave us a good show, but there will be more to come. We heard plenty of birds singing as we walked up the track, perhaps more Blackcaps than anything else, but a few Chiffchaffs to help those wanting to learn song. Most of us had a good view of a Mistle Thrush high in a tree, a Song Thrush was singing, one Willow Warbler sang close to the track, we heard a Nuthatch and Alison spotted a Treecreeper. The party got well spread out as usual, but we joined up for coffee and a Sparrowhawk was spotted while we were looking at a Buzzard. Skylark was heard when we reached the field above Moat House Farm, a Swallow was seen and I was told that a Tawny Owl called on our return to the wood! Jean pointed out the plant Toothwort and she named a black bobble on a tree trunk as King Alfred’s Cake. We saw Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue butterflies. 32 people, 29 species. Judy Copeland

On a bright spring morning 19 members walked to the end of Moor Lane and along Clevedon Lane listening to the calls of Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Robin, Goldfinch and Chiffchaff. In the adjacent fields Pheasant and Mallards were feeding as well as Swallows and House Martins on the wing. Crossing the moor we disturbed two Roe Deer. Buzzards and Kestrels were being mobbed over our heads but regretfully we can only confirm as stated on the local and national news the day before that no Redshanks or Lapwings are breeding on the moor as the marshy areas are drying out. The first Willow Warbler was heard and a Reed Bunting flitted along the ditch. As we left the moor an adjacent field held nine Wheatears. After the coffee break (with CWB) we climbed up Common Hill Wood, through the wood to the drumming sound of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, across Walton Common and back down to the cars. A good walk with 29 species recorded. Peter Holbrook

Our morning started cold and damp, but with hope of improvement we set off along the brook into the park. Our first bird was a Blackcap moving through the bushes. As we approached the lake a Willow Warbler gave good views singing on the end of a branch. Through the park and on to the common we had more Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. On the common everyone had a good view of a resting Tawny Owl. Leaving the common we went on to the lower end of Overscourt Wood with more woodland birds. After crossing to Webbs Heath we had five Swallows skimming the fields. In all 25 species were seen. Chris Perry

The threat of April showers did not deter the 19 members who set out from the car park in Castle Combe. Ravens were circling overhead and birds were in full song in the bushes and ancient hedgerows. Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler were joined by Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch. The most prolific bird of the day was the Nuthatch and it meant that we all were able to get good views and recognise the call. The tea break stop was the signal for the only heavy shower of the day and a mad dash to reach the shelter of the woods. In the woods the bluebells along with wild garlic were coming out and again the Nuthatches were calling. On a sunny bank a slow worm was basking undisturbed until spotted by Pat but it slid back into its hole when we were all peering at it. In the By Brook a Little Egret was finding fish in a pool and two Buzzards were seen overhead. Nearing the end of the walk Coal Tit, Bullfinch and Song Thrush were added and brought the total to 26 species. Thank you to David for leading this walk around a very beautiful area. Margaret Bulmer

26 members arrived at the car park, two off the bus, and we set off across the road and over some fields on a bit of local footpath actually not known to all! Dunnock and Greenfinch were singing to start with and we soon added other common species, but there was some uncertainly about a Sparrowhawk/Kestrel before it started hovering. Skylarks were singing, Green Woodpeckers were heard, and later two were seen dodging around a small tree in a garden in Failand (also seen there on the recce). I hope everyone eventually caught a glimpse. Three Buzzards were circling together, a couple of Cormorants flew over and some people managed to see distant Martins flying high, presumably Sand Martins. Two Marsh Tits showed well outside Mulberry Farm, just after I had mentioned the likelihood of seeing them. Tanpit Wood was a miracle of Spring with its celandines, violets and trickling stream, and a Blackcap sang from a branch close to the stile at the top. (Nick opened most of the gates beside the stiles, but sorry about the hills!) As we returned down the fields to E-in-G, at least three Meadow Pipits separated from the Linnet flock and appeared in a tree close to us. A final treat was a bright Speckled Wood butterfly on the ground. 36 bird species in all. Judy Copeland

Eight members met in the car park and were immediately listening to Chiffchaffs seemingly singing from every direction. As we walked up on to the Point a Blackcap sang from a hidden perch close to the path, its sweet song filling the air. Overhead passage was quiet with only a few Meadow Pipits moving. At the end of the Point a female Merlin was disturbed from the rocks and flew wide around Sand Bay carrying some small prey, presumably looking for somewhere to sit and feed on it. A dull male Wheatear was located sitting on the rocks allowing scope views, which was nice. As we walked along Middle Hope, overhead passage was enlivened by the odd Redpoll and Siskin. Skylarks were singing, reminding us that it was Spring despite the cold. At St Thomas’s Head we could see Redshank, Shelducks and a Little Egret on the River Banwell and along Woodspring Bay. Three Swallows whizzed past so quickly that not everyone saw them. Only a Kestrel and a pair of Buzzards were spotted on the walk back to the car park. It was a lovely morning. Paul Gregory