On a bright breezy sunny day 18 walkers set out from the Griffin to see what we could find in the birding doldrums of late July. As expected, the total of 30 species was not high but we enjoyed watching the commoner species going about their business, albeit more quietly then usual – we coaxed the occasional song out of a Robin or Wren but generally the woods were silent. We argued over the identification of a young Linnet feeding in and out of the gutter on a farm roof, and noted several Swifts which will soon be on their way back to Africa. Swallows and House Martins were hawking for insects overhead or low over a mown field. One Blackcap showed briefly but made no sound. We glimpsed a Buzzard and had a better view of a Kestrel, but only the lucky front-runner saw the Kingfisher. Nevertheless, I was amazed to find out how much open hillside and varied woodland habitat there is north of Warmley, loads of space to wander around and so close to Bristol. (Many thanks to David for leading the walk and showing us an area that was new to most.)
David Body