Leader: Chris Johnson

Meets on 3rd Thursday with the location and time being dependent on the event (usually all day).

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PAST EVENTS (Bird Watching)

2024, and thirteen of us started the new year with our traditional birdwatching walk around the Mead and other lakes, led by Mike. Although the ground was very muddy, it was a mild, dry day and we were rewarded with sightings of 35 different birds, including eight siskins (see photo), which were absent last year, and six goosanders. The water rail eluded us, although it had been seen earlier in the month.

In March, 11 of us enjoyed a muddy but, at times, sunny, spring walk along the By Brook at Box. The target bird was the Dipper, and before we had walked more than a few yards, one alighted in the fast flowing stream! It bobbed up and down for a good long time, enabling many photos to be taken. Other highlights were a Kingfisher zipping along the river, a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker and several Brimstone butterflies. In less muddy areas, spring flowers, especially violets and primroses, bloomed, interspersed with a few early bluebells.

In April, 6 of us, led by Chris, went to Great Ridge Wood.

In June we had a birding trip to Ham Wall and Collard Hill. Just three of us met in the car park at Ham Wall and we were joined by a fourth later on. We walked down towards the Avalon Hide as we were advised it might be the best place to see Bitterns - and also, possibly Cranes. The Cranes obliged - though only distantly. We managed to see a Bittern in flight later on from the Tor View hide. There was a good variety of warblers singing, including Reed and Garden Warbler; dragonflies were very numerous, mainly Four-spotted Chasers. In the afternoon, two of us went on to Collard Hill where the Large Blue butterfly has been reintroduced. The butterflies had been reported early in the month, so we didn’t know if they’d still be flying. Luckily, we were able to spot three, alongside Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and the odd Common Blue.

There were 14 people on our August outing to Scratchbury Hill, south of Warminster. We were hoping to see a variety of butterflies but the weather was cold and windy and even a little drizzly. The only species we managed to spot were some Meadow Browns and a single Wall Brown. Birds included Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel and Raven. Afterwards, we were invited to teas / coffees in Victoria’s garden nearby, which cheered us up.

PAST EVENTS (Natural History)

Six brave souls attended the first meeting of 2024, a visit to Slimbridge, on a very cold day with bitter northerly winds. Recent heavy rain meant that the surrounding fields were wet and the wildfowl and waders were spread out in the distance, not gathered in front of the hides as one would hope. But we were able to get good views of the Bewick Swans and White-fronted Geese as well as Cranes and big numbers of Golden Plover. Among the geese were a couple of Snow Geese: one was white with black wing tips, the other an unusual ‘blue’ morph. We were pleased to spot a distant Peregrine and a Marsh Harrier. Another highlight was the Spotted Redshank, showing well in front of the Rushy Pen hide. Despite having to adjourn to the cafe to warm up, members said they’d enjoyed the day. Between us, we totalled 53 species.

In March, we were given a guided walk around Green Lane Wood by Matt, the warden. He pointed out woodpecker holes and showed us where bats were now roosting. We saw a variety of woodland birds, including nuthatch and song thrush and heard green woodpeckers.

April's trip to Lower Moor Farm had to be abandoned due to flooding.

In May we had a a walk along the Mells Stream from Vallis Vale to Great Elm and back.

Seven of us endured the biting wind at Battlesbury Hill in June, but were cheered by the sight of the meadow brimming with wildflowers, including several different orchids, and a tuneful serenade from a Common Whitethroat. Butterflies were obviously not keen on braving the elements!

Links:

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

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Page text last edited: 22/08/2024