Tuesday 19 November – Saltford Leader: Robert Hargreaves

Twenty one of us met up on the cycle path, above the Bird in Hand, on a cool but pleasant morning. Flocks of Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits were busy in the trees about us but the only water bird to be seen was a Cormorant. We left the track and headed out across the seven stiles, the best section of the walk, On across the airfield we only met Blackbird and Robin. Oh dear. As we approached Avon Farm finally we had a few Redwing and a flock of Starlings. These were followed by some Pied Wagtails, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and Collared Dove. At the farm we met up with two more members who had seen Green Woodpecker. As we turned back to the cycle track some Raven passed overhead. We crossed to the south side of the cycle track, taking the path through the trees to avoid the deep flooded fields. Coming out we were cheered by Fieldfares and Skylarks as we went to the river. We then saw a Jay and a Buzzard. Along the river bank there were Song Thrush, Linnet and Goldfinches, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Meadow Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Finally there was a small flock of Siskins, more Fieldfares and Redwings in the trees. The weir was too fast for any birds, and apart from a group of Cormorants on the path to the sewage works pool little was seen. On the pool there was a Grey Heron, six Gadwall and a Moorhen. A Nuthatch called in the trees. In the fields towards the Jolly Sailor there was a flock of Gulls with two Common Gulls. Above the lock some Mallards rested on some thick flotsam. The last bird to be added to our list was a Rook flying over. In total 42 species. (Thanks to Robert for leading, Ed). Robert Hargreaves.