The listing of species kept everyone alert on the journey and, in fine weather we made our way along the M42 and M5. On these trips the bird we look out for is the Buzzard and this year we were almost in Gloucestershire before the first one was spotted.

In an attempt to cover as many different habitats as possible our first birding stop was at the estuary of the river Brue at Burnham on Sea. The sighting of Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Whimbrel provided a selection of waders whilst Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Willow Warblers represented the summer migrants along with a splendid Wheatear.

Finally it was time to retrace our steps as far as Weston where we were welcomed to the Midland Hotel. After a good dinner the various groups enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. A few of us tried to go to Weston Woods but this proved a step too far though, by a lucky chance, we met others who had found a single Purple Sandpiper by the sea wall, a fine finish to the birding day.

A few of us repaired to the Raglan where a blues band called Loose Change were playing and Dave’s enthusiasm for joining in Bob Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ will not be easily forgotten! Back at the hotel we seemed to have landed on ‘Karaoke Strip’ where the lack of talent was all too obvious. This, compounded by a rather noisy party, meant that many members had less sleep than they were accustomed to. Thankfully this first night proved to be the exception rather than the rule

We were all raring to go the following morning. Raven had been reported by the ‘early birders’ as we boarded the coach for the short trip to the RSPB reserve at Ham Wall. This area of reed bed, open pools and scrub woodland on the Somerset Levels was alive with birds. Warblers predominated including the skulking Cetti’s Warbler. Ducks like Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard and Shoveler were present on the pools and we were glad to see several Cuckoos. The main path through the reserve follows the track of the former branch line from Burnham to wells and Glastonbury and provides level walking.

I think that almost everybody is pleased to see raptors and we were not disappointed. A Marsh Harrier made an early appearance then, to our surprise, a female Hen Harrier flew low over the reeds.

Having walked through the reserve and found refreshment at a tea room we retraced our steps and a third raptor, that aerial acrobat the Hobby, excited our interest.  

For many the sound of booming Bitterns is one of the most thrilling sounds in the natural world. We had heard this sound through the day and were rewarded with sightings of one of these iconic birds from time to time as they made short flights over the reed beds. Our first visit to this reserve was proving a memorable one. One slight criticism is that this reserve, in common with several other RSPB sites, is very poorly signposted from surrounding roads. The RSPB needs all the support it can get, especially at times when people are cutting back, yet it seems that sometimes the delights of its reserves are almost deliberately hidden, which is a great shame.

That evening the group members went there separate ways. My group visited ‘Off the Rails’, part of the buffet bar at Weston station where we were warmly welcomed by the locals who appeared to be enthusiastic members of the Wurzels Appreciation Society. Later we returned to the Raglan where folk duo Peter Henry and Hannah Martin provided first class entertainment. Another great day followed by a much more peaceful night.

A third fine day was in prospect for our visit to Horner Wood, part of the Holnicote Estate near Minehead. The sighting of a Red Kite close to the tortuous A39 was the highlight of the journey though we reluctantly had to forego a visit to the Bakelite Museum! When we arrived the proximity of a café selling cream teas made us fear that some members would make it no further. The group are made of sterner stuff and were soon walking up the valley of Horner Water. We found a Dipper with a mouthful of food whilst others had sight of some of the special birds of oak woods like Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler. For others these birds were heard but not seen.

A small group made it to the top of the valley where, clear of the tree line, we had wonderful views over Exmoor towards Dunkery Beacon as well as an eye level sighting of an obliging Nuthatch. The going was easier on the way down and at last the group could enjoy some well earned refreshment.

Our last evening passed quietly, the Bank Holiday crowds having largely departed though the Halloween masks sported by three of the members before dinner did liven up things a little!

After breakfast we said our goodbyes, boarded the coach and set off for home. We were still trying to add to the list of species seen and hopes were pinned on our stop at Woodgate Valley Country Park near Halesowen. This did not look too promising at first but the early view of a Mistle Thrush, a bird that had eluded us so far, was the prelude to a very pleasant walk though butterflies such as Comma, Holly Blue and Small Copper provided the highlights.

There was to be a grand finale. Called over by Doreen to confirm the identity of a bird in one of the horse paddocks I was delighted to see a fine male Ring Ouzel making a stop over on its way to the moors of Staffordshire or Derbyshire. We tried to get as many people to see it as possible but the group was too scattered and a dog walker flushed the bird which never returned.

Of course on trips such as these no one sees all the birds but there is inevitably disappointment for those who miss out. It was time to leave and complete our journey to Nottingham. Gradually the coach emptied and we said our goodbyes, having enjoyed another very successful group holiday.

This account would not be complete without thanks going to Jan and Dave for organising the holiday with their usual professionalism or to Jim from Travel Wright for driving with such care, especially on some of the narrow lanes we asked him to negotiate. The final species tally was ninety five and it was elementary for the Watsons who won the sweepstake for the third year running, Neil taking over from Sandra on this occasion. Already we’re asking Dave and Jan where next years trip is going to be.