6: Caledonia Place, Clifton
I have lived at this address (a top floor flat in the centre of Clifton village) for over 35 years and the species total
has grown steadily to 42 species so I can’t list them all. On fine days when the windows are open I hear most of
the birds, but a glance down at the West Mall gardens reveals more. Many, though, are ‘fly-bys’, like Grey Heron,
Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Swift. During the summer my constant companions are Herring and Lesser Black-
backed Gulls and a calling racket from them usually reveals a Buzzard overhead but on one occasion I looked
out and saw a Red Kite at eye level!
It is good to see the occasional Swallow, House Martin or even Sand Martin but the noisy House Sparrows are
no longer here. Pied Wagtails frequent the flat rooftops or the pavements outside the front door. Peregrine and
Raven are now regular, which is not surprising since I am not far from the Avon Gorge. Interesting passerines
have appeared, like Brambling, Goldcrest, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are
occasionally attracted to the big trees in the gardens as are Redwings in the late winter, until all the Holly berries
have been eaten.
Robin Prytherch
