Tuesday 20 June – Portishead Leader: Geoff Harris

27 people met on a hot morning, After great debate over the sighting of a possible Whimbrel on the foreshore, it was finally decided it was an immature Curlew. Also along the shoreline were Black headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, two Lesser Black Backed Gulls with Shelducks and Crows all around. On the Lake were many Mallards, approximately 100 Canada Geese and a few Tufted Ducks. Above, giving good displays, were Swifts and House Martins. We pressed on to Battery Point to see Goldfinch, Robin, Blackbird on the down and Rock Pipit on the rocky shore. We then walked through East Wood for Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Wren and Nuthatch. As we left the wood, a family of Blackcaps were seen, two juveniles and both parents. Unfortunately, nothing was to be seen on the mud at the Harbour entrance. Further on, a Pied Wagtail and Rock Pipits were seen on one of the boats in the harbour. Near the finish of the walk we had the excellent sight of five Swifts flying in and out of their nests in the eaves of one of the houses. Also seen Speckled Wood, Comma and Small White Butterflies. A total of 35 birds seen or heard. (Thanks to Geoff for leading). Geoff Harris