Tuesday 31 May – River Avon and Longshore Marsh, Pill Leader: Judy Copeland

I didn’t expect a lot from the walk when only one of the Reed Warblers which had serenaded us on the recce produced any song, but there were plenty of Whitethroats – if one could hear them through the din of the M5. 13 people walked past Pill harbour, which produced only a few Mallard, and along the marina to Jenny’s Meadow where we admired the flowers with Skipper and Common Blue butterflies. A Kestrel hovered over the marsh. Two Swifts were spotted high up, but only one Swallow and three House Martins, one Heron and one Cormorant. Blackcap, Whitethroats and Wrens were heard in the hedges. Coffee was taken underneath the motorway, using the bases of the uprights as seats! As we tackled the path along the shoreline we spotted three Oystercatchers on the Avonmouth side of the river and a few Herring Gulls. Then into the path between the hedges, peering through to the several areas of reed, but only Long-tailed Tits appeared. At last a Reed Warbler was heard and I saw a reed quivering, not quite revealing the bird below. Also, a Greenfinch made itself known. Nick’s list contained further common species, resulting in a final count of 34. There was excitement towards the end of the path when Alan Craddock found a single, beautiful Bee Orchid. (Thanks to Judy for leading). Judy Copeland