Tuesday 25 October – Upton Cheney/Swineford Leader: Geoff Hardman

21 of us met in the Upton Inn car park in the fine mild weather; it was good to welcome two who were new to the group. Coming off the rough track, starting the long downhill path through fields we had the unmistakeable flight of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, some fine views to the west and the sight of winter thrushes in the trees – mostly Redwing, Two Fieldfare and a few Mistle Thrush. Coming down into Bitton brought us to St Mary’s Church. The tower sported a Peregrine perched on a gargoyle, unfazed by the Jackdaws nearby and Ravens flying around ‘cronking’. Across more fields seeing two Green Woodpeckers and fast flying Jays, then up onto the cycle track for Buzzards and a fine Kestrel. Next along the River Avon, for a glimpse of the only bird on the water – a single Moorhen, though a Grey Heron and a Cormorant flew by. Although our last leg was a long, uphill stretch it had been a most enjoyable walk, seeing and hearing many other usual small birds giving us 39 species. Thanks to our leader Geoff. Anne Crowe