Tuesday 23 August – Clevedon/Walton picnic Leader: Judy Copeland

Rain en route stopped when we arrived at Clevedon and it became very warm. Only two or three Swallows and House Martins were around the approach to the Golf Course, and only Wren and Chiffchaff tweeted in the hedges beside the long path to the coffee field  overlooking the estuary near Walton-in-Gordano. Here we had Green Woodpecker calling, then showing well in a fir tree and two Ravens flew over. Peter spotted a Great Spotted Woodpecker at the top of a bare tree and a Goldfinch on top of the fir. There was a very  distant Stonechat (ID via Alan’s scope) on a bush at the top of the field. A Cormorant flew down river, with a now sunlit Wales appearing out of the mist behind. Three members left us after coffee, leaving nine to continue. Very little was seen from the 13 coast path except a Black-headed Gull and two or three Herring Gulls, then a juvenile Herring Gull was spotted eating a crab on a rock, being approached by two young Crows. Jean saw a Kestrel just before we entered the wood. Once inside the wood leading to Walton Common, Alan heard Treecreeper and Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tits gave flitting views and Nuthatch was heard. Lunch was taken when we emerged onto the Common. Continuing onwards, we heard Great Tit and another Green Woodpecker. After crossing the Walton road we ascended the long path up through Rock Wood to the Golf Course, where a Buzzard was heard and a Robin seen. 33 species. (Thanks to Judy for leading) Judy Copeland