Tuesday 21 February – Chipping Sodbury Common Leader: Alan Daniells

22 members met in Hatters Lane on a damp, overcast morning with very little wind. In the trees along the road and footpath, before we crossed St Johns Way, we were treated to a mixed flock of tits and finches including Greenfinch, along with several Dunnocks. In Trinity Lane we saw more small birds including Chaffinch and House Sparrow and the first of many Redwings. Approaching The Windmill, there were seven Meadow Pipit and two Reed Bunting on wires. A large flock of c100 Redwing was flying between trees and the ground with a few Goldfinch and Fieldfare amongst them. Unusually, this turned out to be the busiest section of the walk. We continued on down into the main scrub area which was generally quiet, although we did manage to see a Kestrel and some more Goldfinch. After coffee we carried on toward the Little Owl tree (who was not at home), on the way spying a pair of Bullfinch flying past. They settled in a Hawthorn and fed on the buds. We watched them for some time, probably the highlight of the walk. Around 50 Herring Gull were circling overhead. We started our return, crossing the high open area toward Horton Road where Skylarks were seen fighting and displaying. Many of the same birds as before were seen along Trinity Lane and Hatters Lane, adding Long-tailed Tit and Song Thrush. 29 species seen or heard altogether. (Thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells