January 1, 2016
We had a lucky break in the weather which was generally fine until the end, when rain arrived. Allowing for early arrivals and late-comers 30 members gathered for the walk. We trooped off to the Holden Tower and hides adjacent to the Tack piece to enjoy the ‘feast’ of birds before us. A large flock
December 29, 2015
For the last Tuesday walk of the year a group of 31 set off from Severn Beach on a bright December morning. The good weather forecast and the opportunity of some exercise after the Christmas festivities ensured a high turnout! The estuary was at the top of the tide as we set off so we
December 22, 2015
Overcast, but still shirtsleeves weather (for some!) on this solstice day with a temperature very close to that of the summer solstice! We 30 gathered to pay homage to the bird population of the River Frome and Vassall’s Park. Moorhen was the first species – two bobbing in the strong current and perilously close to
December 15, 2015
It was mild and murky as 33 of us set off, the poor light not aiding identification. This was a shorter than usual walk – a prelude to the Christmas lunch – but it proved very productive. Led jointly by Peter Holbrook and Duncan and Pat Gill, we heard Raven and in a Lime tree
December 13, 2015
Ferrybridge immediately rewarded us with 30 plus Brent Geese and 20 plus Mediterranean Gulls. A Skylark dropped over and the first of many Turnstones flew round the shop. In the Harbour there were long discussions over a diver, Black-throated or Great Northern, and an auk. Just as we got them in the scope they’d dive
December 8, 2015
42 people met, with the weather warm and bright to start. The sea front was alive with activity, seeing Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtail, a tree full of Starlings, Goldfinch, three Reed Buntings, a Curlew, two Ringed Plovers, and Common Gull. On the lake were seen swimming Greylag Goose, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Mute Swan and many
December 1, 2015
On a dry and mild afternoon 21 members gathered at Shapwick Heath/Ham Wall to see what was around and hopefully catch the Starlings coming in to roost. Bob Buck had kindly agreed to lead as Mike Johnson was unable to make it and Bob was ably assisted by John Crispin. The Starlings were roosting on
November 24, 2015
It was grey and windy with such choppy water, how were we to see the waterfowl? A good crowd (22) of dedicated watchers saw most of the birds on offer. As rain had fallen, the way across the moor was bound to be wet – twelve chose this way with me and the others stayed
November 21, 2015
17 Members gathered in the new WWT Steart Marshes car park on a crisp, clear, sunny but extremely cold and very windy Saturday morning. We were met by two friendly assistant WWT wardens, Joe and Chloe, who gave us a brief but very informative overview of the 500 hectare site with its myriad salt and
November 17, 2015
With storm Barney predicted to drown us or blow us off a cliff, I rather hoped that no-one would turn up. In the event four mad people were waiting at my parking place – and six more at the official meeting place which I’d failed to notice in Club News! They were right to give