Trip reports

Staple Plain - Friday 17 July 2009

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

It was then decided to embark on the usual walk up the track and around the top of the hill above Staple Plain. Whereas it was particularly calm and still in the sheltered car park, a few hundred yards up the track it was completely different with a strong and chilly north-westerly wind.
Bird life was very noticeable by its absence and the total count consisted of a particularly fine male stonechat that was plainly visible as it sat atop of a prominent growth of bracken. Other species included a well-coloured pair of linnets, a very vocal wren, one or two gulls and several corvids flying overhead.
From the top of the hill there was a magnificent view across the Bristol Channel past Steep Holm and Flat Holm to the coast of South Wales where, as the light faded, twinkling lights began to appear.
Looking back towards Minehead, a particularly colourful sunset silhouetted North Hill against a deep red sky that spread out into the channel.
It was much easier walking back down towards thew car park and the light was fading quickly. One member claimed to have heard a nightjar calling from the deep valley so the party moved on to the picnic area and occupied benches waiting for the show to begin.
After some time it grew very dark and the only sounds were of the rustling of leaves as the wind blew through the trees. Had nightjars appeared they would have been very difficult to see so, reluctantly, it was decide to abandon the quest. Not a very successful meeting birdwise, but a good walk in the fresh air and a chance to catch up with the latest gossip.!