Thursday 18th January 2024 - Saltford

 

Saltford Weir - (Bath Birdwatcher)

No 3 Amigos walk so far this week but we are due to visit West Sedgemoor this coming Saturday so more to follow on that trip. Its Bryans birthday today so 4 of us decided to go to Salford for a walk then stop off at The Bird In The Hand for coffee. On the way we pass the Globe and here Rooks were in the rookery arriving at the bottom of Saltford Hill The Shallows were closed so we had to divert via Beech Road to get to Mead Lane where we were going to park going this way we had to pass The Bird in the Hand where we noticed it was closed for refurbishment, so what shall we do, well I knew at the far end of Mead Lane is the Jolly Sailor so we decided to park by the Bird In the Hand and walk along Mead Lane. By this time the weather was beautiful very cold but sunny just perfect for a walk. Where we parked the car we found Blackbird and Robin and as we set off Carrion Crow flew over. In the 1st field on our left were Jackdaw, Redwing, Song Thrush and Goldfinches. Walking by the river Avon Black Headed Gulls were flying backward and forwards and 2 Blue Tips were flitting through the trees. 5 Mallards were in the river and a Cormorant flew past. On our left was a rocky outcrop well known for housing 3 Little Owls but they did not show for us today, but while looking we could hear the call of Greenfinches and as we walked a little further Bryan found at least six in the top of a tree, a year tick for us both. Along by the sailing club a Pied Wagtail flew over the river, Woodpigeons were loafing in a tree and in the field on the far side of the river a Herring Gull was with a flock of Black Headed Gulls. A Moorhen was our next sighting followed by a Grey Wagtail on the roof of the Jolly Sailor and a Lesser Black Back Gull on the weir. The pub should have opened at 11am but showed no sign of life at 5 past so no coffee here either. Walking back to the car we added Dunnock, Starling, Great Tit, Magpie, Blackcap (M) 2 Mute Swans and a House Sparrow. 

Mute Swan - Saltford (Bath Birdwatcher)
love the reflection on this one.

Back at the car we decided that the Farm Shop at Newton St Loe would be no good for coffee as we were getting close to lunch time and we know its very busy at that time so we thought Newton Mill would be a good idea BUT on arriving it was also closed but we did add Buzzard to our morning list. Well that was the last straw so we retired to Bryans for coffee. A lovely walk in perfect conditions just a shame about the coffee.

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