The scrape outside the hide has undergone quite a transformation over the last couple of weeks bringing the water right up to the front of the hide, and the increased water levels have brought in a flurry of wigeon, teal, and mallard. Good numbers of lapwing have also arrived, and golden plover have been seen recently. Snipe and lapwing were seen just this morning amongst the other wildfowl near the scrape in front of the hide!. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcon, kestrel and possibly merlin flying by on the look out for a tasty morsel!
The reason for the build up of wildfowl is as the winter progresses these ducks come over here from places such as Siberia and Scandinavia to spend the season feeding and surviving the colder weather, they pair up here and then migrate back to their natal sites in the spring to begin their breeding.
Starlings also come out to Greylake during the day to feed in quite large flocks, returning of an evening back to the Avalon Marshes to roost in the reedbeds. For up-to-the-minute details of their whereabouts, phone the Starling Hotline on 07866 554142 or email starlings@rspb.org.uk for further information. You can also visit RSPB Ham Wall webpage for further details.
Why don’t you join us at Greylake on Sunday 21 November (10am-11.30am) for a Birdwatching for Beginners get-together from the comfort of our fantastic hide to learn about identification features of the various wildlife we have on this reserve. Booking is essential. Call 07774 620879 or email west.sedgemoor@rspb.org.uk. (See Greylake ‘Events’).