Tuesday 28 May – Pilning and New Passage Leader: Lois Pryce

The forecast was for almost constant rain, but 15 brave members attended and luckily we barely got wet. Waders on foreshore, saltmarsh and pools included Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Whimbrel. Avocet, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and young, with Canada Geese, Shelduck, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Coot and Moorhen, a Mute Swan pair with five small cygnets, Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting. There were plenty of hirundines hunting over the pools – House and Sand Martins and Swallows – and some welcome Swifts. In grassed and hedgerow areas and down the sheltered side lane were Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Grey Wagtails, Linnet, Stock Dove and Skylark, with groups of enthusiastic young Starlings and a Buzzard in the distance. Total 48 species. (Thanks to Lois for leading.) Lois Pryce