Trip Reports

• Tuesday 26 March – Bristol Centre Leader: Alan Craddock Tuesday March 26th, 2024

  Eighteen members assembled in Millenium Square for a thankfully dry stroll around the docks. Our first halt was outside the Arnolfini where Rich Scantlebury gave us pointers on gull plumage and identified a young Great Black -backed Gull in amongst the immature Herring Gulls. Two Canada Geese, a Cormorant and a Moorhen were locally in attendance. Moving along past M Shed, House Sparrows, two Magpies, a Blue Tit and the first of many Wrens were added to the list. A couple of Collared Doves later we arrived at the coffee stop where a Robin provided the background music. Arriving at the bridge over the New Cut, we spotted a raptor, initially thought to
  be a Peregrine, which morphed into a Kestrel as it flew towards Ashton Court. The riverbank provided three surprise Oystercatchers which we were not expecting but no Redshanks which we were. As we prepared to leave the dockside for Brandon Hill, a Grey Wagtail flew past and gave us a brief display on a rooftop. Climbing into the woods on the hill, we found Bird Central where Wrens, Robins, Goldfinches and Greenfinches were enthusiastically singing in what was almost sunshine! Thanks to Graham for the bird count and Alan for leading. 27 species in total. Alan Craddock

Bristol Ornithological Club

The Bristol Ornithological Club (BOC) was founded, in 1966, to promote, encourage and co-ordinate the scientific study of ornithology in all its branches in the Bristol area.

The Aims of the Club

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• To publish a monthly bulletin, entitled Bird News, and a journal Bristol Ornithology. *
• Encourage beginners in ornithology, by assistance in the field and through special indoor meetings.
• Support and assist conservation projects by active co-operation with local organisations.
• Promote the special study areas at Chew Valley Lake .
• Promote field research by co-operative and individual studies.
• Hold regular indoor and field meetings throughout the year.

* Bristol Ornithology will take the form of papers and short notes by members, and a review of that year’s events and activities. Members also receive the Avon Bird Report (published jointly with the Avon Ornithological Group) which is a systematic list report of the birds of the area).

Find out where our members have been on birding holidays
Birding Holidays