Tuesday 13 December – Newton St Loe

On a fine dry day 31 of us set off on a pre-Christmas lunch walk around the grounds of Bath Spa University led by Peter Holbrook and Duncan and Pat Gill. As we walked through the village and down to the University we saw numerous Blue Tits, a Redwing, Song Thrush and Starling in the tree tops whilst a Raven flew overhead alongside a Common Gull. We passed Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Robins, Great Tits and Dunnock as we neared the University grounds. A Nuthatch shuffled up and down a tree trunk, Goldcrest flitted about and one eagle-eyed walker saw two Marsh Tits. We progressed uphill in the grounds to the second lake where Mallard came into view along with two Grey Herons, Moorhens, seven Goosanders and 20 Teal towards the top of the lake. A Green Woodpecker appeared, and moving through the woods up to the University, we picked up Siskins, Collared Doves and Pied Wagtail on the way back to Newton St. Loe. We counted 34 species in all on the two hour walk so thanks to the leaders for a pleasant precursor to lunch. Thanks also to Peter Holbrook for ably organising our lunch which was attended by 50 members. We have walked every Tuesday in 2016 and thanks go to the leaders who make this possible, though new leaders and walks are always welcome. Many thanks too for the book token presented to me at the lunch, it was much appreciated. Mark Watson