Tuesday 05 December – Chew Valley Leader: Mike Landen

It was a dull, cold day so it was not surprising that just 15 of us arrived at Chew Magna, the new meeting place for this walk. The first part of the walk was quiet with mainly common species including Robin, Blackbird and Blue Tit. Turning off Denny Lane the path widens out. We soon spotted a mixed flock of about 70 Fieldfares and Redwings, a Kestrel was hovering and a Sparrowhawk was in flight. A flock of at least 14 Magpies was noted, followed by a Buzzard. A Grey Wagtail, a flock of about 20 Woodpigeon and a flock of Starlings was seen. A house with garden feeders probably accounted for quite a large number of birds in the surrounding trees that included Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over. Towards the lake more Redwings were seen and a Bullfinch heard. At the Lake, we heard the distinctive, loud call of a Cetti’s Warbler from the reed-bed. A Goldcrest was heard and there were good views of a female Stonechat. On the lake itself good numbers of Coot, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Goosander, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were present. We had good views of both male and female Goldeneye and a Kingfisher flying across the Lake. Some had a fleeting view of a Green Sandpiper. On the return leg, a group of seven Long-tailed Tits and a Treecreeper were seen. It was a pleasant walk with a total of 55 species. Thanks to Alan and Nick for keeping the record of birds..
(Also thanks to Mike for leading) Mike Landen