Bristol

[Anjistar]

hi,
I have to be in Bristol in the Clifton Downs area for 3 hours every Sunday afternoon.
Can anyone recommend good places to go birding from there?
So far, I have been on the downs, and walked the woodland as far as the suspension bridge.
I don't mind driving a little way, but it gets dark earlier and earlier, so I don't want to spend too much time travelling to and from.

Cheers
Anji

[The Raptor]

Hello Anjistar.
One of my favourite places in Bristol to go birding is Blaise Castle estate in the north/west area of the City. It is around four miles from the Clifton Downs area. The estate is mostly woodland with many different walks. A brook runs through it with possible sightings of the Kingfisher & the Dipper. Rod.

[tomjenner]

Leigh Woods is a very nice birding spot that I have visited regularly (when in the UK) for over 30 years. Cross over the Clifton suspension bridge and then turn right after about 100m. Follow this road for about half a mile until you reach the entrance on your right. There is extensive forest and lots of different walks that have good birding. Keep an eye out for Hawfinches.
Good luck

Tom

[Anjistar]

Many thanks, boys! That should liven up my afternoons for a while, as long as the weather is like today. Otherwise it's 3 hours in Borders!
Cheers
Anji

[Anjistar]

One other question, if you don't mind.
I went to see the starlings at Slimbridge this week, and they aren't stopping there this year.
Is there any where near Bristol where they are roosting?
A friend said she watched them near Burtle on the Somerset Levels, but she couldn't remember exactly where, so if anyone knows... She just said it was by a big pile of peat!!
Thanks again
Anji

[Stranger]

One other question, if you don't mind.
I went to see the starlings at Slimbridge this week, and they aren't stopping there this year.
Is there any where near Bristol where they are roosting?
A friend said she watched them near Burtle on the Somerset Levels, but she couldn't remember exactly where, so if anyone knows... She just said it was by a big pile of peat!!
Thanks again
Anji

Westhay Moor,just a couple of miles from Burtle.

[Anjistar]

Many thanks, Stranger
I'll be there on Sunday if the weather isn't too evil.
Anji

[MarkA]

Is there any where near Bristol where they are roosting?
Anji

In Bristol there's a regular roost at Temple Meads station, and a smaller one nearby at St Mary Redcliffe church. Probably not the same numbers as out on the Levels, but worth checking out.

Mark

[Anjistar]

Thanks, Mark. Useful as it's a bit nearer if I'm pushed for time.
Anji

[Stranger]

Many thanks, Stranger
I'll be there on Sunday if the weather isn't too evil.
Anji

Might see you there then as I will be out that way over the weekend.
Incidentally if you are around the Bristol area Chew valley lakes are well worth a look for waders and widfowl.

[Larry Wheatland]

You could try Severn Beach too, not too far a drive from the downs. Can turn up some interesting waders etc, probabably best when the tide's not too far out. There's a good walk along the sea wall and good cover for migrant land birds too. Can be good for raptors in the Winter eg. Merlin, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl.