Tuesday 06 November – Goblin Combe Leader: Alastair Fraser

Orange was a theme for this new walk through Goblin Combe as, despite the overcast weather, the beeches and
birches were at their late autumn best. Before entering the wood we had seen Blue Tit, Great Tit, and the first of
eight Long-tailed Tits. A Mistle Thrush stood out on a bare tree and Goldfinches flew over. Going up the wooded
valley we heard Robin and Goldcrest, and then Coal Tits were seen and heard calling. To much excitement the
experts picked out the call of two Marsh Tits, confirmed by sight. We climbed up to a clearing on the ridge where
Raven and Buzzard were glimpsed as was a fine view to the Severn Estuary. At coffee we were joined by a family
group of 14 small goats, grazing on behalf of the Avon Wildlife Trust and the first of eight Fieldfares and three
Jays were seen. We soon came to a very productive open space. Two Bullfinches were seen, having been picked
up by call. A flock of 20 Chaffinches were moving among the distant trees, and a second flock of 40 a little later.
Four Greenfinches were seen nearby. As we returned to the start along the ridge we had a glorious view of
orange Larch in the valley. We also had the familiar orange wing and tail colours of avis facilis on its unseasonal
migration from the south to its roost at Lulsgate. A flock of 20 Jackdaws was seen in a paddock across the valley.
Dunnock, Wren, and Collared Dove completed our total of 26 species. Many thanks to Alastair for leading this
interesting and scenic walk. Gareth Roberts