Tuesday 05 November – Winscombe Leader: Sue Watson

Our walk set off from the village (with 23 members), in cool, cloudy conditions but little wind. We headed down the first grassy field, passing House Sparrow, Jackdaw and where a flock of 300 Woodpigeons whirled away in flight. A further field provided Meadow Pipit and the first Magpie, before a path between trees and bushes enabled us to surprise Wren, Robin and Chaffinch. On into a wide, hedge lined lane with many corvids in the muddy field alongside where small flocks of Fieldfares, a few Redwings and a Roe Deer were near the orchard at its end. Passing the nearby donkeys a Raven was heard, and a beautifully blue winged Jay sat on an open branch, where we started up Sandford Hill. (Several more Jays were seen later). Passing the preserved evidence of Italian POWs in the area we climbed steadily through the wood, where Long-tailed Tits flitted about and we were amazed to find a group of four Goldcrests interacting. Having left the wood, the sun had emerged and we enjoyed wide views over the valley and south west to Bridgwater Bay and Hinkley Point. We had heard Bullfinches but now found more. We saw two flying Stock Doves and Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, as well as several Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the lower fields. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard nearby! Onward to mixed habitat where two more deer leapt a fence in retreat from us. The walk seemed to be enjoyed by all and a final two Jays at the village edge gave us a tally of 37 birds. (Thanks to Sue for leading, Ed). Sue Watson