Report of outing to Portbury Wharf, 23rd March 202
Leader: Peter Bryant
11 members enjoyed the group’s visit to Portbury Wharf near Portishead (a new site for many). Linnets flew over the field as we left the layby to walk towards the smaller reserve car park. Blackcaps could be heard, with one seen briefly. Some of the party had good views of a Stock Dove. Chiffchaffs were singing almost all the way round the reserve. Our first stop was the hide overlooking the South Pool where we stayed for some time there being a variety of birds to identify.
Four species of duck were seen – Mallard, Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler (with Pochard and Tufted Duck added at the second hide and Shelduck on the saltmarsh). A Grey Heron and several Canada Geese were on the bank and there was an Oystercatcher asleep on the island. Little Grebes were ‘zittering’ and gave good views, showing off their summer plumage. Two Buzzards thermalling caught our attention (with a third in a nearby tree), then a pair of Stonechat was found dashing around some bramble bushes. Behind the pool, several Roe Deer were seen (four in total).
At the next hide – overlooking the North Pools – three Reed Buntings gave excellent views. As well as a Cormorant and another Oystercatcher, the main focus was the island that held four varieties of gull, including a splendid pair of Greater Black-backed Gulls (which is a breeding bird on this site). A Cetti’s Warbler was heard and a pair of Pheasants came out to see what was going on. Finally, a Kestrel flew over and hovered not far from the hide.
Little could be seen on the salt marsh (which is a SSSI) except for some distant Shelducks; a couple of Curlews were calling as we made our way towards the marina. The mud initially seemed deserted but a short search revealed a dozen Redstarts dozing, giving good ‘scope views.
The walk back into the reserve revealed, in close succession, a Blackcap followed by a Chiffchaff (heard, then seen); several Greenfinches were calling. Another deer and a Willow Warbler were encountered on the return route.
Birds seen:
Canada Goose Moorhen Jay Blackcap
Mute Swan Coot Magpie Wren
Shelduck Little Grebe Jackdaw Starling
Shoveler Oystercatcher Dunlin Blackbird
Gadwall Curlew Carrion Crow Robin
Mallard Redshank Blue Tit Stonechat
Teal Black-headed Gull Great Tit House Sparrow
Pochard Lesser Black-backed Gull
Tufted Duck Greater Black-backed Gull
Pheasant Herring Gull Cetti’s Warbler Dunnock
Feral Pigeon Cormorant Long-tailed Tit Greenfinch
Stock Dove Grey Heron Willow Warbler Linnet
Woodpigeon Buzzard Chiffchaff Goldfinch
Collared Dove Kestrel Reed Bunting
(51 species) PB
Photos by Stuart
