Tuesday 19 November – Upton Cheyney Leader: Geoff Hardman

Just six intrepid walkers met at The Upton Inn. We set off down the hill cheered by a Chaffinch and a Pied Wagtail landing on the path before us. Jackdaws greeted us as we came into Bitton but as we skirted the churchyard and took to the soggy fields the rain turned to snow! Small birds were scarce, except by the dung heap, which gave us Blackbirds, Robin, a silent Dunnock and a small flock of Goldfinches. A substantial bridge gave us welcome shelter for our coffee stop. Snow continued as we threaded our way along the cycle track and river bank. The excitement
of seeing a large group of birds in the tree tops was dulled when they turned out to be Wood Pigeons, yet interesting perched so still and in notable numbers, a hundred being recorded. Finally, we trekked back up the hill from Swineford, thrilled when someone spotted a Green Woodpecker. It had been a walk of wet optics, poor visibility and miserable conditions. Birdlife was dominated by Corvids and Wood Pigeons. Nevertheless with jolly company and a sense of achievement we had enjoyed the walk, which gave us 26 species and good exercise. Thanks to our leader Geoff.
Anne Crowe