Trip reports

TRIP TO NAGSHEAD RSPB RESERVE

Thursday, 1 May 2008

With the weather forecast not looking good for our day trip to the RSPB reserve at Nagshead, Gloucestershire, we set off in overcast conditions until we reached the reserve, where we were met by the assistant warden and a light rain shower.
We were told that the Pied flycatchers, which the reserve is famous for, were about a week late in arriving and there was only 6 male Pied flycatchers in around the reserve.
I went off with a small group to the lower hide where flycatchers had been seen early morning, we saw Blue & Great Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Chiffchaff.
We then headed off the reserve to Cannop Brook where a Dipper is said to hold territory at the road bridge. Again we were out of luck, and as a heavy rain squall came down, we headed upstream to Cannop Pond to see what was about.
Walking along the track we saw Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Chaffinch and a well hidden Mandarin Duck. Reaching the pond a more obliging Mandarin was spotted along with Coot, Moorhen, Greylag goose and a very fine Grey Wagtail.
By now the sun had come out, and in the open area around the pond up to 5 Buzzards were seen soaring in the sky along with a pair of "cronking" Ravens.
Around a small bird feeding station Nuthatch,Coal,Blue & Great tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch,Dunnock and Siskin were noted.
Returning to the reserve we soon found an obliging Wood Warbler and everyone was entranced by it's wonderful song.
Meeting up with some of our party, they directed us to a spot where a Common Redstart had been seen,regretfully it was seen by only a few of our group as it flitted around it's territory.
Meeting back at the coach, it transpired only 1or 2 people had seen Pied flycatchers, but most had seen Redstart, Wood Warbler and Marsh tit.
As we boarded the coach to return, the rain came down in a deluge that soaked the last few boarders.