Group Walks

Sunday 19 November - Saltford

On a cool, crisp and sunny day we met below the Bird in Hand. Walking up to the cycle track we could hear Goldcrests and found them in a group of Tits with a male Blackcap. On the bridge over the river was a distant Mistle Thrush, with a Greenfinch beneath.  A Song Thrush was singing, our first of the autumn. On top of the Bird in Hand a Collared Dove. Walking west along the cycle track Chaffinches and a Jay were found. Terry Doman caught a Sparrowhawk winging through the trees. After 400 yards we turned into the fields along a path with 6 rickety stiles. Some Roe Deer scampered across a field. In a tree with Woodpigeons a Green Woodpecker gave good views. In the distant trees Redwing flitted about. However the grass airstrip was disappointing as the sheep were being herded in to a pen and only a few of the Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits were left. No Red-legged Partridges in the fields before Avon Farm but a Pheasant, lots of Song Thrushes, more Meadow Pipits, Redwing and two Bullfinch. On our way down to Swineford Lock some dog walkers below disturbed three Roe Deer. They came running up towards us, only veering off at the last moment. Wow! By the weir, a beautiful spot with an old life boat, the lock, and reed beds, a Grey Wagtail, a Moorhen and a flock of Long-tailed Tits. Walking down river a Kingfisher gave repeated flashing views while a Chiffchaff nearly stopped half the group from seeing it. 

Up on the cycle track by the Avon Valley Railway station, we saw our first Fieldfare, four Canada Geese came flying up river, two Buzzards in one tree and a Kestrel. Walking back along the fields while we baked in the sun, two Sparrowhawks paraded to finish our day. The number of Song Thrushes was a real surprise and good to hear them singing. The group was pleased to see so many birds so close to Bath.

18 walkers and 46 species. Robert Hargreaves