This is so we can fulfil the requirements of a transect, basically two parallel routes through a chosen square, which helps to avoid double counting. So we exit the reserve and head for Long Lane and then back along the quarry edge, counting as we go, re-entering the BET reserve at Val’s Gate next to the viewpoint and the quarry in Badgers Wood.
We are immediately greeted by the sound of noisy Jackdaws in, around and above the quarry. Jackdaws are very intelligent and sociable birds, small and black with a distinctive silvery sheen to the back of the head. In particularly good numbers in this part of North Somerset it is easy to get used to their urban presence on roof tops and chimneys. During the day they often move in large flocks, sometimes with other Corvids such as Ravens or Crows. On the BET reserve their favourite spot is without doubt the quarry. Easily disturbed from their perch they seem to take real pleasure in the thermals or updrafts. As usual they are joined by a pair of Ravens who show their status by selecting the best perch on a large tree overlooking the quarry.
As we circle the quarry we pass Fern Way and catch the sound of a small flock of Goldfinches overhead. Often heard but not seen on such cloudy days their light twittering passing chatter is cheering.
On we go towards the Yew trees. Here there are fewer birds to see but, because we are high up on the hill and the cloud clover is low, we catch regular snatches of bird sounds from below. In particular the regular ‘teacher teacher’ of a Great Tit, the trill or more urgent high pitched calls of Blue Tits and the occasional notes of a Nuthatch.
As we near the end of the Yew tree section we are rewarded with the very high pitch sound of the Goldcrest. Hard to spot and unusually shy for a Goldcrest we stand still and wait quietly until this one comes into view, foraging busily on the branches. Goldcrests often move in flocks so perhaps the shyness of this particular bird is due to it being momentarily alone. As ever, a joy to watch but the grey cloud makes the beautiful colours of the Goldcrest harder to distinguish.
We leave the Goldcrest to feed and begin our descent noticing that the the bird song is gradually increasing. At this time of year birds are so often found feeding in and around the local gardens and today is no exception. Not all of the birds on the reserve will take advantage of the feeders but the Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon and Chaffinch numbers in the woods are surely in part a result of their willingness to move onto feeders in the winter.
We finish our count at the bottom gate to Badgers Wood. Despite the cold it is always a joy to walk our regular survey route and to see the progress of life within the woods. However a hot bowl of soup is top of my list !