Sunday 04 February – Chew Valley Lake Leader: Robin Martin

Eleven members met at Herriotts Bridge on an initially blustery and cloudy day with the weather improving as the walk progressed. Two new members attended their first field meeting and we hope the weather conditions did not put them off attending future meetings. At Herriotts Bridge there was a large roost of gulls including a single Yellow-legged Gull and a brief view of a Mediterranean Gull that flew off when the roost was disturbed. There were a few Pintails, four Great White Egrets and a Red Kite. The group then moved to Stratford Hide and Moreton Point. Highlights included two female Scaup, seven Goldeneye, two female Marsh Harriers hunting over
the reeds and a fly-by Sparrowhawk. After a brief visit to Herons Green, we finished at Woodford Lodge and walked down to the dam. The highlight here was a stunning male Bullfinch calling from the trees. In total we observed 51 species which was a reasonable list for such a blustery day. (Thanks to Robin for leading) Robin Martin