WHERE TO WATCH
WHERE TO WATCH
AVON GORGE - ST: 561 742
The muddy and tidal river Avon flows from the city through the gorge and into the Severn estuary at Avonmouth, a distance of about 10kms. The stretch is not a hotspot for many good birds though some Redshank and Common Sandpipers do occur from time to time and gulls are always present.
The Avon Gorge site is best known for the Peregrine Falcons which breed on the rocky cliff ledges each year. The BOC has held breeding season Peregrine watches here annually since 1990 in order to provide some protection against egg and chick thieves.
The best vantage points to see the birds are along the circular ‘seawalls’ road which runs along the top of the gorge from the Clifton zoo area to Stoke Bishop.
The birds of course, can decide to nest anywhere along this stretch from year to year but our watch records have shown that the gorge viewpoint closest to the zoo is normally the most productive area.
With extensive breeding season coverage by Club members, many other species have been seen, notably Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and Ravens and occasional sightings of Red Kite, Osprey and Goshawk.
CLICK HERE…. to find out more about the gorge Peregrines
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