Tuesday 13 December – Pensford Leaders : Mike Landon and Alan Craddock

Ten intrepid and initially very cold members set off from the village hall car park. A quick trip across the main road for a peek over the bridges proved fruitless, unfortunately, so we pressed on to the Common where we saw floppy flights of Lapwings heading west. A Green Woodpecker gave us an undulating fly-past followed by the first Sparrowhawk of the day. Plenty of Redwings about and a Goldcrest gave us a brief show as we passed through a copse. Shortly after this a second Sparrowhawk was seen which was being pursued by a Carrion Crow. A flock of Chaffinches were raiding a field of stubble along the hedgerow ahead of us. On to Lords Wood for a coffee break where a Nuthatch was heard but not seen. Approaching Nutgrove Farm, we were lucky enough to see a large flock of Fieldfares in the field sloping away to our left and ahead of us many Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Redwings whizzed between the trees and the ground. Two Yellowhammers made a brief appearance in the hedge behind us. As we passed the farm we disturbed a couple of Ravens who were taking a not disinterested view of some chicken coops. Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails rounded off our trip along with the languid flight of a Little Egret. 42 species in total. Thanks to Mike for co-leading, Alan C for leading and Alan Daniells for the records. Alan Craddock