Priddy Mineries and Stockhill Woods, 7 October 2026

Above: Fly Agaric © Richard Bottle

Leader: Glen Maddison

I and six members assembled in the main car park at Stockhill Woods in conditions we had forgotten actually existed… rain! Unfortunately, it was not the odd shower as forecast, but the annoying and persistent type that, along with the wind, made birding extremely difficult. So, instead of trudging around Priddy Mineries as planned, we decided to stay in the relative shelter of the forest and see what we could unearth there instead.

Birds were almost completely absent, except for a few Goldcrests, a flock or two of Chaffinches, and Coal, Blue, and Great Tits, the latter two species in the ‘heard only’ category. A pair of fly-over Crossbills added to the small flock we could hear nearby, so it was the Fungi finders who had a good day, with many species found, including the colourful and iconic Fly Agaric.

We consumed our lunch in the damp car park before deciding on an impromptu trip down to Herriots Bridge, where we hoped to see at least some birds.

We were in luck, with excellent sightings of Glossy Ibis, both Great White and Little Egrets, many Snipe, and singles of Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff. Amongst a decent flock of Lapwings, I managed to pick out a rare visitor from North America: a Lesser Yellowlegs! Luckily, Anne had the foresight to bring a scope, so we all got good, though distant, views.

At this point, we left the windy causeway for the comforts of the local tea rooms and afternoon refreshments

An enjoyable trip in trying conditions, so full marks to those members who accompanied me.

Glen Maddison