Approaching south Somerset from my Bristol commute this morning (Monday 4 March) and the weather wasn’t looking promising. As I arrived at Greylake grey sky enclosed around me. At that moment I didn’t think I would find much bird activity around the reserve. A quick walk around the reed bed proved me wrong, one grey heron, two buzzards and numerous mute swans. Once nestled at the hide I was immediately drawn to a snipe feeding not two metres from me, using its long, slender bill to extract invertebrates from the mud. Three more Buzzards including a spectacularly pale one, little grebes dancing and an array of wigeon convinced me it was in fact another busy day at the reserve.
Once satisfied I headed off to Swell Wood Nature Reserve to spy on those noisy herons. From the car park I could hear their mating calls, loud and eccentric squawks bellowing from their nests. I always feel so relaxed at Swell Wood, surrounded by those ancient Oaks and woodland. There is always something to see, even from the car park coal tits, blue tits, great tits, a nut hatch feeding and even a cheeky grey squirrel making the most of the peanuts in the bird feeders. Do be sure to call and see us over Easter at Swell Wood. You can meet the wardens on Good Friday to Easter Monday and also the following two weekends (10am-4pm) to find out more about the heronry.
Photo: Pete Woodgate
By Bev Phillips - Volunteer Information Warden
Trish Harper