Tuesday 03 October – Portbury Wharf Leader: Roger Hawley

Twenty two birders gathered and after an early shower the clouds dispersed and sunny skies were a pleasure. The rail bridge made a good viewpoint over the Gordano Valley and yielded Robin, Great Tit and Chaffinch. At Wharf Lane both Chiffchaff and Collard Dove were seen, and from the first hide a Stonechat, Swallows, Gadwall and Skylark. Further on a Little Egret got up from one of the ditches and in the distance a Buzzard turned lazily. Goldfinches were busy on the Teasels and there was a loud protest from a Cetti’s Warbler. The tower hide gave
us good views over the salt marsh with Canada Geese, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Shelduck and Lesser Black-backed Gull showing well. In the fields, on the return leg of the walk, more Little Egret, a Jay and a flyover Raven – calling as it went. Our final species was Kestrel, one hovering and another perched on its nest box platform giving great views and a final and very satisfactory total of 47 species (Thanks to Roger for leading).