Tuesday 09 August – Goblin Combe Leader Alastair Fraser

Twenty-one members met in the middle of the second heatwave of the summer; fortunately we would spend most of our time in the shade of the trees. My expectation of sightings was low due to the heat and time of year but we ended up with a surprisingly good list and some treats. In the first stretch of woodland Alan said he could hear Tree Creeper and possible Coal Tit. The Merlin bird app confirmed Treecreeper but suggested Marsh Tit. Multiple pairs of eyes scanning the trees eventually confirmed the app was right. Well done technology! (Although Cetti’s Warbler further along the path had to be a mis-identification). Our little patch of trees proved full of birds: a family of Marsh Tit, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatches and a Spotted Flycatcher. Juvenile Robins foraged along the edge of the path and a Stock Dove called from above. Typical of woodland, our purple patch was followed by stretches devoid of birds until our next lucky spot where we had another Flycatcher and calling Bullfinch. Buzzard was our only raptor. 21 species in total. (Thanks Al for leading.) Alastair Fraser