Tuesday 24 May – Ridge Woods, Yate Leader: Alan Daniells

Fourteen members met on a mostly dry day. We were treated to views of a Lesser Whitethroat in the thick hedge bordering the road and two Peregrines which flew over. Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, a Greenfinch, a Bullfinch were also heard. Entering the woods we heard Treecreepers and Goldcrests. We passed the rookery which has about 40 nests this year. Although the woods are mostly native species such as Oak, Ash, Beech, Holly and Yew, this section contains specimens including Deodar Cedar, Wellingtonia, Lime and Corsican Pine, dating from when it was part of the garden of Ridge House, which has since been demolished. There were several more Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs in this section. At Barnhill Quarry we saw Little Grebes (one on a nest) and Moorhens on the lake, and a Buzzard and Sparrowhawk flew over. On the return route we stopped to look at a young Nuthatch. A Sparrowhawk flew over again. Other species seen or heard during the walk included Collared Dove, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, two Swifts, Jay and Song Thrushes. 33 species seen or heard in total. (Thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells