Ham Wall

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 14.04.2023

2023-04-14T13:48:00Z

Lots of firsts for the season this again this week. On Tuesday a visitor reported the first Swift of the season on the reserve and yesterday the first Cuckoo was heard over at Westhay Moor during the second of our booming bittern surveys in the Avalon Marshes. The weather was a lot kinder to all the staff and volunteers this time and everyone seemed to have a good morning out, despite the very early start (4.30am).

The first damselfly has also been seen - large red damselfly and it won't be long before the first dragonfly is spotted - usually hairy dragonfly. Unfortunately for the dragonflies, the first Hobby was also seen this week on Monday. Such spectacular birds to watch. Looking forward to seeing my first one of the season.

There also seem to be more butterflies about - particularly yesterday when the sun shone beautifully for much of the day - a stark contrast to the high winds and rain of Wednesday. We made quite a good list for ourselves during the day and it was particularly nice to see the first orange tips of the year. Also recorded this week: Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green Veined White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Comma. Thanks to David Love for his Peacock photo:

Another first was the first Whitethroat, in it's usual position in the brambles in front of the first viewing platform (VP1). Thanks to Andrew Kirby for sending in his photos taken yesterday:

VP1 is a place that's holding a lot of interest at the moment. Good numbers of House Martin, Swallow and Sand Martin throughout the week. Many birds zipping around the area of the artificial Sand Mart bank - hope that we get some takers soon for this des res. At least they must have seen it at least so here's hoping. Thanks to John Crispin for his Sand Martin shot taken during the week:

The Glossy Ibis have been a real draw for people for a while now but as I mentioned last week we were down to 1 and that looks to be the case now - not seen a second bird for over a week now. The single bird is being seen most days though.

Whilst scanning for the Ibis try to spot the selection of waders that are present. Quite a large group of Black Tailed Godwits - perhaps 30+ most days sometimes more, a Spotted Redshank, a couple of Common Redshank, displaying Lapwing, a Ruff, a few Snipe seen on occasions and Greenshank also reported recently. Thanks to John Crispin for his photos taken this week:

Black Tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Ruff

Black Tailed Godwits and Ruff in flight.

Thanks also to David Love for his shot of the Godwits if flight too:

VP1 is also a good place to look for both Great White Egret and Little Egret which are present here most days. this Great White Egret caught a decent meal here this week - thanks again to John Crispin for his photos:

Bitterns are also seen here from time to time but there are plenty booming across the reserve throughout the day. We'll get a total from yesterdays survey at some point and share it with you. Sightings this week include from VP1, the Avalon Hide and in the section behind Waltons. Thanks to John Crispin who took these shots from VP1 this week. Although it perched out in the open it didn't stay there long and soon moved off again:

Garganey have also been seen here on most days. At least 2 pairs are being seen usually one on the west of the area and one on the east. Thanks to David Love who has sent in his shot of a pair this week:

There are still a good number of ducks around although those in groups are gradually getting smaller as they pair off or move on to other areas. Still seeing some Teal about the reserve but Wigeon numbers are well down. Look out for Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her Pochard shot taken recently at Ham Wall:

I've been noticing a lot of predated eggs around some of our tracks - most likely duck, Coot and Moorhen eggs taken by Carrion Crows. Other corvids are being seen regularly such as Ravens flying over and Jackdaws who I saw making a home in one of our Barn Owl boxes this morning (Barn Owls have also been seen using others thankfully such as the one to the west of the Avalon Hide).

Jays are also being seen regularly at the moment. There was one sat in the hedge by the car park gate yesterday morning and I've had several other sightings this week. Thanks to John Crispin who took these shots of one feeding on the Loxtons Trail this week:

This Magpie was also seen enjoying the nature trails recently and photographed by Sandie Andrews. Thanks Sandie:

There are many birds such as these which are perhaps considered quite ordinary but a closer look at there plumage or even just their behaviour can be fascinating. Here's a selection of a few of those birds. Thanks to Emma Disney, Mike Pearce and Sandie Andrews who have all sent in the pictures.

First the very wonderful Goldfinch from Emma Disney:

The very cute Long Tailed Tit from Sandie Andrews:

This lovely Dunnock from Emma Disney:

and the ever popular Robin from Mike Pearce:

Certainly nothing ordinary about the Great Crested Grebe with its interesting behaviour and wonderful plumage. Several pairs can be seen around the reserve - particularly within the Waltons screens/Tor View Hide. There is also a nesting pair next to the Sand Martin bank from VP1. Thanks to Emma Disney for sending in her shot taken recently at Ham Wall:

Whilst at Waltons check out the reedbeds for nesting Grey Herons - they are well underway with their breeding season with some pairs feeding well grown chicks. Thanks again to Emma Disney for her shot she has sent in of a heron on a hunting trip - perhaps for some hungry mouths back at the nest:

In terms of Marsh Harriers we appear to have at least 3 nests so far. The can be seen daily from the Avalon Hide, VP1 and a little more distantly from VP2 - you can even see them over the car park on most days. Still some interactions going on between adult birds. Thanks to Sandie Andrews and Mike Pearce for the recent photos:

Also seen this week: a Spoonbill over the reserve on Tuesday (there's a photo on Twitter), Green Woodpecker heard daily and I saw one in the grassy area around the ponds at the car park on Wednesday, Sedge Warblers (one or two) are also being heard - so another first there along with a few Reed Warblers, Grasshopper Warbler heard this week - most likely just passing through, Willow Warbler along with Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing well, a Garden warbler heard in the trees opposite the old rail bridge to the north yesterday (Kingfisher spotted in this area too yesterday) and still several Roe Deer being spotted in fields to the north of the reserve and smaller groups wandering onto the reserve sometimes as Sandie Andrews photo shows - thanks Sandie:

I've run out of time (as seems always to be the case these days) - plenty to comer and see and many birds to add to your year list if you do one. If not just come and enjoy the sights and sounds of the reserve. The Dawn Chorus here is wonderful with all the birds singing in the trees and the chorus of birds from the reed beds and open water.

Here's an easy one to learn - the Chiffchaff. It pretty much says its name with it's familiar 2 note call. Thanks to Sandie Andrews and David Love who have sent in their Chiffchaff photos:

Right, I'm definitely stopping now. Thanks for reading and to all those who have contributed the wonderful photos - have a great weekend - Enjoy it ! Spring is here!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 06.04.2023

2023-04-06T13:12:00Z

Well, it felt like spring had finally sprung in full on Tuesday, with a glorious day. Unfortunately, it went AWOL yesterday and felt like winter again. The sun's done it's best to shine today, although a little windy as I undertook my first Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) of the season. Nothing particularly unusual in my area of the reserve but it was great to hear my first Reed Warbler of the season over near the Avalon Hide. I also heard my first Skylark singing over a field just to the north of the reserves boundary.

It has been particularly noticeable just how many Chiffchaffs are present - I guess no real surprise given just how many we'd been seeing over the winter - especially on those frosty days when they were all feeding on the ground. Willow Warblers too are in great song along with a few Blackcap. During sunny spells you can really start to hear that chorus of birds, with tits, finches, Blackbirds, Wrens, Robins and Song Thrushes all adding their voices to the throng. Thanks to Sandie Andrews who sent me pictures of both Wren and a foraging Song Thrush last week:

Around the edges of the trials look and listen out for Cettis Warblers. A couple have been seen perching up today offering good views - one over in Waltons near the entrance to the screens area. If you don't see them, you will certainly hear them - a very loud punchy call. Thanks again to Sandie Andrews for her image:

In the reedbeds themselves keep your ears open for those Reed Warblers - numbers should increase dramatically in the next week or so. Bearded Tits can be heard on occasions but they are notoriously hard to see here. The Avalon Hide area may be your best bet.

Perhaps, the most obvious call you will hear is the boom of the male Bittern. One flew across the water from the first viewing platform (VP1) on Monday and then settled on the reed edge for a few minutes which was great to see. Earlier that morning 2 had flown across in a chase flight - most likely is a male chasing a female. Another pair were seen chasing this morning on the north of the reserve - or at least trying as they were buffeted by the winds. Thanks to John Crispin for his shot of the chase on Monday from VP1:

They have some cousins (heron family) which are far more easy to see. Great White Egrets are seen daily from VP1 along with a Little Egret who has it's favourite fishing area here currently. Grey Herons are also seen regularly, some already well underway with the nesting and some young chicks have been seen at the nests in the reedbeds at Waltons (not being eaten like the chick from last week - photos on our Facebook and Twitter pages last Saturday. Thanks to Andrew Pettey who sent in these photos taken on Tuesday:

These 2 are perhaps a little way behind those other birds - no prizes for guessing what they are up to. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her photo taken last week:

Other birds are also very much in love, although this female Marsh Harrier may have to learn to share, as the male mating her had two females last year - although the good news is, he takes a very serious role in feeding the young - he just has to work a lot harder. Thanks to John Crispin for his photo sequence taken on Monday:

Another harrier was spotted on Tuesday evening - a male Hen Harrier - it appeared to come into roost at the reserve. A visitor also reported seeing it on yesterday morning over at Loxtons.

Sticking with the birds of prey theme, a Red Kite was seen on Monday flying very high over the VP1 area. Despite its altitude, it still manged to disturb some of the ducks and waders situated at VP1 currently. The Black Tailed Godwits were particularly jittery. Thanks to John Crispin who managed these distant shots:

Around 50 Black Tailed Godwits have been present here this week with a wide range of plumage stages from the familiar winter grey feathering through to the red brick breeding plumage. These have been accompanied by a few Lapwing - some displaying seen, 3 Redshank - these can often be heard calling, a Greenshank, a Ruff and a Spotted Redshank. Thanks to John Crispin for his photos of both Redshank and Spotted Redshank taken this week:

In the same area look out for Garganey. There have been 2 males and a single female present this week - not surprisingly this caused some aggression between the 2 males as the compete for the females affections - not as aggressive as say, Mallards can be. Thanks to John Crispin, with another photo sequence of the male Garganeys having a bit of a disagreement:

Plus the 3 birds in flight:

Plenty of other ducks to spot on your visit too. There are still some Wigeon on site and plenty of Teal - VP2 a good place to spot some as well as Shoveler - there were plenty there this morning. Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Pochard are also present and there was a pair of Pintail present from VP1 on Monday. Thanks to Mike Pearce for his Pochard shot taken in the rain recently:

The Glossy Ibis have been present for much of the week - particularly early morning, although just one has been seen by me over the last couple of days - I guess it could even be a rouge 3rd bird and the pair are elsewhere?

Sand Martins are being seen quite regularly and I was happy to see my first Swallows on Tuesday in the sunshine flying low and dipping in the water before taking off again. A few House Martins have also been spotted this week - this has coincided with an increase in flying insects I've noticed this week - great news for the hirundines.

Other insects are on the wing too of course. A few bumblebees being spotted, an Orange Underwing Moth from the old rail bridge on Tuesday and several butterfly species including: Green veined White, Brimstone (plenty of these), Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.

Grass Snakes have also been seen a little more regularly with one seen in the Mini Marshes (by the car park) and another swimming in the drain from the old rail bridge. It could even be this one, photographed and sent in by Andrew Pettey - thank you Andrew:

This bridge is a good place to look for Kingfishers too - I saw one here on Tuesday but they have also been seen at Waltons and the Avalon Hide.

Kingfishers are always a firm favourite. So too are the Great Crested Grebes - still seeing some birds displaying, whilst others are already nesting - there is one nest right next to the artificial Sand Martin bank at VP1. They can also be seen with Waltons and from the Avalon Hide.

This individual took on more than it could swallow last week. The fish was proving a bit tricky for it. Try as it might it could swallow the fish. Its mate came to help (or perhaps steal) but it eventually proved too much for them and it wriggled free and swam off. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for the photo and info:

Also this week: Green Woodpecker heard calling frequently on most days plus a few sightings, Great Spotted Woodpecker seen daily, Redpolls and Siskins seen along the main path this week, A Wheatear seen at the car park on Tuesday, 3 Barnacle Geese seen on the north of the reserve this week and 2 Egyptian Geese seen this morning, bullfinch seen along the main path, Peregrine seen flying on the north of the reserve, Roe Deer spotted on Waltons Trail but as last week a large group seen in fields north of our boundary and a couple of Mute Swan pairs looking like they are setting up nests on the reserve this morning. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her action shot of a Mute Swan taken last week:

I'm going to have to stop there - I'm already well over time after my early start this morning for the survey. I hope you've enjoyed reading and thanks to all those who have contributed there wonderful photos.

Have a fantastic Easter Holiday and I'll be back next week with more updates.

BBC Wild Isles – Freshwater Conservation in Somerset

2023-04-05T06:00:00Z

Fascinated by the Freshwater episode of Wild Isles? Wetlands are brilliant for biodiversity from the beginnings of rivers right down to the mouths! We’re experts in wetland conservation, from restoring old quarries to re-wiggling rivers, in Som...(read more)

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 31.03.2023

2023-03-31T12:49:00Z

Apologies for the lack of a blog last week. I was on a training course which took all day. It was nice to hear my first singing Willow Warbler of the season though and since then I've heard several more around the reserve along with blackcap and multiple numbers of chiffchaff. Chiffchaff seem to have overwintered in large numbers so it's no real surprise to hear so many in song. Thanks to John Crispin, Robin Morrison and David Love for their Chiffchaff shots taken this week:

Chiffchaff: David Love

Missing a blog last week means I have rather a backlog of photos sent to me, so apologies if I don't post them all - I must have way over 60 or even

70 sent to me in the last fortnight. I think I would be here all weekend otherwise.

I was out on the reserve this morning - it was bleak to say the least and not very spring like. Having said that I was treated to a lovely display from some Sand Martins from the Tor View Hide - believe it or not, my first of the season. But a happy encounter for me none the less. A House Martin was also spotted amongst the flocks this morning and there have also been a couple of reports of single swallows this week.

I could see at least 5 Grey Herons nests in the reedbeds from the hide too - some of these must be well underway by now. In fact look out for a post on our social media pages tomorrow of some interesting behaviour from them that was photographed last week. It's also another way of using some of my plethora of photos in a different way too. Thanks to Robin Morrison for his Grey Heron shot taken this week:

Great Crested Grebes were also present on both sides of the Tor View Hide this morning and from the 3 viewing screens but these pictures from Robin Morrison were taken from the newly replaced (and now open) screen in the South East Corner of Waltons. Great courtship/weed dance - what a treat. Thanks Robin:

Love is in the air here for sure but if another male strays into a territory then things can get pretty aggressive too as Andrew Kirby's show. These were taken from the Tor View Hide last week. Thanks Andrew:

The Great Crested Grebes are hugely popular with visitors at this time of year particularly, with their amazing courtship behaviour - they are a beautiful looking bird too.

Another bid everyone wants to see at the moment is the Glossy Ibis. We've had a pair hanging around the site for some time now - wouldn't it be great if they bred. I'm not getting my hopes up as we had a similar situation last year. They are wonderful to see though. Early mornings appear to be best but they have been seen on the occasional afternoon too over the last couple of weeks. Thanks to Andrew Kirby and John Crispin for their recently taken photos:

The best place to see these is usually the first viewing platform (VP1). Keep an eye on the artificial Sand Martin bank - fingers crossed it will get used this year. If you look closely underneath a Great Crested Grebe pair have built a nest - much more sheltered here I guess - very sensible.

This morning there were plenty of shoveler along with a few wigeon, tufted duck, mallard and pochard. I have to admit, I didn't loiter for long. The wind and rain put me off slightly.

Some waders have been reported here this morning and throughout the week. 22 Black Tailed Godwits, 3 Redshank and 1 Spotted Redshank amongst the numbers. 4 lapwing have been seen displaying here too. water levels are dropping and green reed shoots are starting to grow in a few places too. The whole reserve will begin to look very lush in no time. Thanks to John Crispin who managed to capture a couple of shots of the Spotted Redshank:

You may see Snipe here too but they can also be spotted over on the island in front of the third viewing screen at Waltons or from the Tor View Hide. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her photo:

Whilst in and around the Tor View Hide keep an eye out for Water Rails. There have been a few sightings here in the last couple of weeks, including this Wednesday and by John Crispin who took these lovely photos. Thanks John:

Often hard to see are Water Rails but often heard - they sound like a squealing pig just to give you a clue if you don't know.

Another bird usually heard rather than seen is the Cettis Warbler. It has a very obvious punchy call that you will often hear in the reed edges. This time of year is the best time to see them. They are getting pretty territorial and will often perch up singing out in the open. Once the leaves form on the scrubby bushes this gets harder again.

Thanks to Sandie Andrews who sent in here picture of 2 Cettis in some form of territorial dispute which went on for around 2o minutes on the Waltons Trail.

Territorial disputes from birds not often seen - sounds like Bitterns to me. That has been the case this week with 2 birds seen in a chase from VP1. This can sometimes be males chasing females and can result in multiple birds in the air at the same time - this is when their usual secretive nature goes out of the window. It can also be males in dispute and they can get quite angry with each other. The next 3 months or so is the best time to see Bitterns too as they behave as above and then later you can see more flights from females who need to feed hungry mouths. Thanks to Robin Morrison for his shot of a lone bird in a graceful flight:

There fellow heron family members - the Great White Egret can also be seen pretty frequently - obviously a lot easier to spot being big and white. You may also see Little Egret - there's been one feeding regularly from VP1 recently. There's quite a size difference between the two. To give you some idea John Crispin has sent in this wonderful photo taken last week from VP1. He's also sent in a second photo taken this week with a Grey Heron in the background. Thanks John:

Thanks also to John for this close up of a Great White Egret looking just a little crazy - hope it's just the camera angle:

Thanks also to Sandie Andrews for her shot of one in flight:

Marsh Harriers are perhaps one of the other favourites. Luckily they are quite easy to spot and are seen regularly. We have a few pairs on the reserve with perhaps the best spots being the Avalon Hide, VP2 or VP1. A pair were seen mating from VP1 yesterday, whilst other interactions between males and females have also been seen.

Another special pair of birds seen this week has been the Garganey pair seen at VP2 on several occasions. It is possible that a male has overwintered locally as there have been a few sightings including at Ham Wall. They are normally considered a summer visitor. Thanks to John Crispin for his shot of the pair in flight:

It's the white stripe on the eye of the male which is the best ID feature to look for.

This tufted duck female has white around the base of her bill - not to be confused with Scaup - just in case you see her. Thanks to John Crispin for the photo:

This looks to be from VP1 given the rails. Look out here also for Pintail which have been recorded a few times recently. Across the site Teal are still present. I've already mentioned Shoveler but take a close look at their behaviour. Pairs are often in groups and swimming in circles - this is part of their mating ritual. All very fascinating. I also couldn't help but include this trio of shots from Sandie Andrews of a Mallard coming into land. I just thought it was rather a nice little sequence. Thanks Sandie:

Here's another bird coming in for a dramatic splash, this Cormorant taken by John Crispin. We have several Cormorants nesting in a colony on the reserve and they can often be seen perched on the rails in the water in front of VP1, often with wings spread in that familiar, almost prehistoric looking pose. Thanks for sending it in John:

Of course we don't just focus all our work on birds. Plenty of other wildlife makes it's home here too. Often it's just harder to see, particularly when the weather isn't as pleasant as we'd like. A few butterflies have been spotted in the calmer, sunnier spells with sightings of Peacock, Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell all reported to us. Thanks to David Love who photographed this Small Tortoiseshell on his recent visit:

Mammals are also tricky to see sometimes. We have seen some small mammals in the wildlife garden such as bank vole and wood mice but perhaps the most easy spot would be roe deer. There's a bit of a herd developing in fields just to the north of the site. I counted 12 together on Monday, whilst another was actually on the reserve quite close to me at the same time. You may see them around the Waltons trail or on the grassy footpath from time to time. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her recent photos:

Also this week: Green Woodpecker heard frequently around the reserve including close to the car park this morning, Great Spotted Woodpecker daily (and heard drumming), Barn Owl seen at one of the boxes visible from the Avalon Hide on Wednesday and a Kestrel also seen nearby, Kingfisher sightings this week at the Avalon Hide, Waltons and VP2. Little Gull reported from VP1 yesterday, Stonechats spotted at VP1 brambles, bullfinch along the main path and Ravens seen flying over on a few occasions including this pair this week. Thanks to John Crispin for the photo:

I'd better leave it there as I have one more task to do before I can go home. Thanks for reading. Apologies again if I haven't included your photos. I will try to use some more for next week's blog. Have a great weekend!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 17.03.2023

2023-03-17T13:32:00Z

Spring is trying its best to get going but I've still been left feeling a little chilly at times this week. Spring migrants are beginning to arrive with around 500 sand martins reported over at Shapwick Heath yesterday - only a handful reported from Ham Wall so far and I'm still awaiting my first.

Birds are singing well, particularly during sunny spells - Tuesday morning was particularly pleasant with blackcap singing around Loxtons and chiffchaff at Waltons. Dunnock, great tit, blue tit, robin and song thrush have also added their voices to a growing chorus. I also heard the drumming of the great spotted woodpecker on Tuesday morning.

In the reedbeds cettis warblers are belting out their songs more and more. It's around this time of year that we survey for them by playing their call and mapping out the replies from the males. Over the years this gives us a trend of how they are doing. They are notoriously hard to see at the best of times so this is the best method. The best places to catch a sighting of one at the moment is probably the Tor View Hide or in the cut areas of reed on the way to the Avalon Hide.

We cut several small areas around the reserve each winter to vary the habitat but also to give visitors better views of wildlife. The cut islands in Waltons have been great for snipe in recent weeks, with 14 present of Tuesday morning. These 12 were photographed by John Crispin in flight from the first viewing platform (VP1). Thanks John:

The glossy ibis have been spending a good amount of time out here this week but often come and go during the day. Mornings tend to be the best time but they were there yesterday afternoon for quite a while.

Despite the arrival of the first spring migrants, many of our winter visitors are still present with pretty good numbers of wigeon and teal across the site along with a few redwing being spotted each day. Thanks to John Crispin for his shot of wigeon taken this week from VP1:

Some of our resident birds are nest building or already nesting - the grey herons have been underway for a few weeks already, whilst great crested grebes have been displaying and made a couple of nest building attempts already, which have come to nothing so far.

Marsh harriers have also been seen carrying sticks and making various interactions in mid air. This male was carrying food but didn't want this female to have it - we think it was for another. It's not uncommon for some males to have more than one female. In the past the male in this area (Avalon Hide) has done just that. Thanks to Andrew Kirby for his images:

Bitterns are booming well and can be heard throughout the day although early mornings are usually the best. Staff and volunteers were out across the whole of the Avalon Marshes from 4.30am onwards for the first of our 2 annual booming bittern counts. When the totals are in I will pass it on to you. It was a bit breezy though, which makes it harder to hear and pinpoint all the birds.

This bittern was seen at the Avalon Hide this week - not the blue tinge to the lores indicating that this is a male bird. Thanks to Andrew Kirby for his photo:

Thank also to John Crispin who captured this bird in flight from in front of VP1. It then flew ver the platform and into the Waltons section:

Great white egrets are present too, although a serious lack of nesting activity so far on Ham Wall. The good news is that there are a couple of colonies building up over on Shapwick Heath. You can often see these birds feeding along the main drain or in front of VP1. Little egret has also been spotted out here on a few occasions this week (I've seen one myself 4 days running). This individual was photographed by John Crispin this week. Thanks John:

Sitting for a while at VP1 on Thursday brought quite a few nice sightings. The glossy ibis were present along with both great white egret and little egret but we also watched a lovely male stonechat perching on the brambles with its familiar tail flicking, a kestrel, a sparrowhawk and displaying lapwing - they were displaying again this morning too. Another sparrowhawk was seen on Monday on the north of the reserve - we'd seen another Lapwing displaying over fields north of our boundary we heard it call - perhaps an alarm call, and it then shot off with a sparrowhawk behind (too far behind to catch it thankfully).

As mentioned before there are plenty of duck around the site, still hanging around in larger groups generally, although I did nearly tread on a mallards nest on Wednesday. The female was so well hidden. My foot was touching the eggs (at least 10) when I looked down but not a single one broken. She did give me a fright when I disturbed her.

It's interesting to see how the ducks divide themselves across different sections of the reserve - I guess it comes down to their feeding preferences. My WeBS count on Thursday saw good numbers of pochard and tufted duck, slightly less of wigeon and teal but very few gadwall and mallard and not a single shoveler. As soon as I walked to the section next to mine there were plenty of shoveler to be seen.

They can be tracked down pretty easily in Waltons and Loxtons sections. Thanks to John Crispin for his wonderful shots of a shoveler taking a bath during the week. Lovely action photos:

Also look out at VP1 for kingfisher. There have been a few sightings this week. There was one at the back of Waltons yesterday, a sighting from the Avalon Hide this week and from the old rail bridge on the main track. Learn the whistling call to give you a chance - blink and you might miss it. John Crispin just managed to catch this one as it zipped across the VP1 area this week. Thanks again John:

Also this week: green woodpecker at the car park on Monday, 3 raven over the car park the same day, buzzards seen daily, a wood mouse and a vole seen in and around the little wood piles in the wildlife garden behind the welcome building at the car park, jays seen flying at the end of the reserve on Monday, an avocet (symbol of the RSPB) seen and heard over the Avalon Hide on Wednesday, great tits seen setting up nesting territories but also still eying up visitors for food along with robins, a pair of pintail present from VP1 for much of the week (2 pairs present on Monday), redpoll seen along the main path along with bullfinch, goldcrest, blackcap and chiffchaff, unconfirmed reports of a reed warbler on a bird alert app but no other news and a report of a red kite over the car park last Friday.

Look out also for one of my favourite little birds, the long tailed tits. Many will already be setting up their wonderful looking nests woven together with gossamer from spiders webs. This little one was photographed between Waltons and Loxtons this week along the trees by the ditch that runs in-between. This is known as cuckoo ditch - perhaps in days gone by it was popular with cuckoos - a wonderful noise slowly disappearing from our countryside. We will soon be lucky enough to hear some again on Ham Wall though - something I always loo forward to.

That's it for this week. Thanks for reading and have a lovely weekend.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 10.03.2023

2023-03-10T14:47:00Z

Spring faltered slightly this week with some much colder days and sleet/snow on Wednesday which didn't really settle here but did on higher ground and a little further north in the county.

Not surprisingly, wildlife sightings have been a little slower this week, although some birds seem determined to carry on regardless.

Grey herons are already well underway on nests at several locations including within the Waltons reedbed and we have had reports of great white egrets carrying nesting material this week too. They can often be seen sat by the side of the main drain waiting patiently for long periods for the right moment to strike for a fish. John Crispin photographed this individual doing just that this week - with success, albeit rather small (my limited knowledge leads me to believe this is a small tench - happy to be corrected. Thanks John:

He also took this shot of a bird flying head on to the camera - showing its impressive wingspan:

The change in bill colour (yellow to black/grey), leg colour (now has a red tinge) and the much greener lores are all indicators of birds in breeding condition.

Many other birds are displaying and showing signs that breeding is imminent. Marsh harriers have been seen displaying this week: yesterday from the Avalon Hide and this morning from the Tor View Hide as well as 3 birds passing over the car park together interacting.

Great crested grebes are also going through their elaborate courtship rituals with several pairs seen displaying around the reserve including at Waltons, Loxtons, the Avalon Hide and from the first viewing platform (VP1). This pair photographed by John Crispin this week were spotted building what was either a mating platform or a nest. In any case the efforts were in vain as the pair gave up in the end. Thanks John for capturing these moments though:

No sure this is them straight after giving up but this is the same pair taken by John Crispin in flight. Thanks again John:

As well as resident birds getting on with the business of breeding many of our winter visitors will begin to drift away. Duck numbers seem reduced in general and the starling flock will diminish pretty quickly over the next fortnight as they head back to their own breeding grounds. Fieldfare and redwings will do the same although we have had several reports of redwings this week including: at the car park, a nice group in a tree next to VP1 during the week and a small group spotted this morning between the otter sculpture at Waltons and the main track.

We will of course also welcome many new arrivals over the next few weeks too - something I always look forward to. Excited to hear of reports of small numbers of sand martins over Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath this morning - didn't see any myself. With more sand martins to follow (and hopefully use the artificial bank we installed last year in front of VP1), house martins, swallows, the swifts, numerous warblers and the amazing cuckoo - you can't help get excited about this time of year.

Some warblers overwinter with us these days - the cettis warbler of course with its punchy call (hard to miss). It's a great time of year to see them as they are defending territories to attract a mate and the leaves are not yet coming through on the trees. One was spotted perched up near the Tor View Hide this week.

Blackcaps and chiffchaff are now commonly overwintering too. Chiffchaffs in particular seem to be very abundant this winter. Thanks again to John Crispin for his shot of a chiffchaff amidst the brambles and reeds:

We will also await to see whether any new species colonise the local area. The glossy ibis have become fairly regular fixtures throughout the winters and on into spring without breeding afterwards. It could be this year of course although having been present for much of the week at Ham Wall the last 2 mornings have brought no sightings (maybe just gone somewhere more sheltered) - hopefully they will be back again - it's surprisingly easy to hide in this landscape despite the countless eyes and optics around. The first platform has been one of their favoured spots - early morning in particular.

Despite time ticking on, wigeon are the most numerous duck to be seen from VP1 along with mallard, tufted duck, gadwall and shoveler. I've still been seeing good numbers of teal across the site too and the odd pochard.

Thanks to John Crispin for his shots of wigeon feeding with some Canada Geese on the banks around the VP1 area:

The wigeon were also joined last Saturday (4th) by some black tailed godwits. They most likely dropped in to have a feed before continuing northwards - note their lovely plumage colour. Other waders seen this week include around 15 lapwing and 12 snipe who circled the VP1 area for a while before deciding to find a more suitable area. Thanks once more to John Crispin for his shot:

As things warm up (eventually) we should see more activity from a number of birds and other wildlife. During warm spells last week an adder was spotted next to Street Heath - this is the area just past Loxtons on the main track with the wind pump. Keep an eye out for these and grass snakes along the main path. Any adder sightings anyone has would be very welcome. A study is taking place to genetically test them to see how they are faring. These are small and isolated populations so we need to find out how diverse (or not) the gene pool is.

The odd butterfly has also been reported locally during warmer spells (a small tortoiseshell last week) - look out for other early butterflies that have overwintered such as peacock and brimstone.

One sign of spring which is hard to miss is the boom of the male bittern. Several boomers are being heard around the reserve at the moment - a wonderful sound as it resonates across the reedbeds. There have been one or two sightings this week. We saw one yesterday at the eastern end of the reserve which may well have flown past VP2. The Avalon Hide has been a good location recently and this individual flew and landed in the area in front of VP1 this week. Thanks to John Crispin who was on hand with his camera:

Also this week: 2 great spotted woodpeckers on the feeders at the car park plus on the telegraph poles nearby, green woodpecker also heard on at least 2 days this week, ravens flying over several times throughout the week, singing song thrush along the main path, roe deer seen sitting on the grassy trails on a few occasions in the mornings in particular, bullfinch along the main track along with redpoll and siskin, a badger seen scuttling along the footpath on the way to the Avalon Hide, buzzard seen daily, little egret from VP1 this morning and a water rail which showed well from the Tor View Hide on Tuesday.

Lets hope the weather improve soon. Poorer weather means less visitors (and therefor less information fed back to staff), less activity from wildlife and much harder to write a blog - I know! Excuses! Excuses!

A slightly shorter blog for a change - often I'm fighting the clock to get finished.

Thanks for reading and whatever you do this weekend - have a great time.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 03.03.2023

2023-03-03T12:58:00Z

Another week and indeed another month has flown by and we're into March - the start of spring? It's certainly felt very spring-like at times this week although there was always a very cold breeze to remind you that winter may not quite be done with us yet.

Wildlife is responding to the slightly milder (and thankfully dry) weather. A small tortoiseshell butterfly was spotted at the car park yesterday and I saw a large bumblebee (a queen I'm guessing) buzzing around on Wednesday.

Bitterns are of course now booming and a little stronger each week. In fact it's now only a fortnight until our first of 2 early morning booming bittern surveys. This involves staff and volunteers getting in early (at least an hour before the sun is up) to count the number of booming males. They would have to go some to beat last years massive total of 22 boomers on Ham Wall, with a further 2 just off our border. You can hear them throughout the day, although earlier in the day is often better.

Many more birds are now singing including song thrush, robin, blue tit, great tit, goldfinch and dunnock. Thanks to John Crispin for his song thrush photo taken this week:

Dunnocks seemed to be everywhere this morning including a pair perched together in the car park. They were also in amongst the brash piles from the extensive tree work we have undertaken along the front edge of Loxtons. This is part of our rotational management of trees along the edges of tracks but it has also opened up much wider views across the reeds. This part of the Loxtons trail also gets very muddy in winter and the extra light and heat getting onto the track will hopefully keep this area a little drier and make access easier.

Like the dunnocks love is in the air for many birds but there also seems to be some competition and aggression out there too. No surprise coots can often be seen fighting but this week has also seen disputes between little grebes, goldfinches (in an aerial confrontation this morning from the old rail bridge) and house sparrows - 2 males were sat beak to beak calling at the top of their little lungs right into each others faces yesterday - didn't wait around to see who the winner was.

Love always wins out in the end you'd like to think and grey herons are already well underway with nesting - you'll be able to see them from the Tor View Hide in amongst the reeds. I also noticed some long tailed tits carrying material into some bramble bushes around Loxtons this morning, so nesting underway here too.

Marsh harriers are also busy - plenty of sightings throughout each day - the Avalon Hide often a good place to try. This male was spotted picking up nesting material from the Tor View hide this week and photographed by Andrew Kirby (he has also posted film of the incident on Twitter if you're interested). Thanks Andrew:

We've been frantically finishing off certain works this week before March kicked in - an end now to any habitat management work for the season. We finally managed to clear the last bit of scrub obscuring views to the barn owl box (often used by tawny owls) in the wood behind the hide. Lets hope some owls take up residence to give great views from the hide. Views to the boxes to the west were completed last week.

Marsh harriers have been seen regularly and interacting in flight recently. Other birds interactions are even more wonderful such as the great crested grebes, often elaborate courtship.

There are several pairs around the site currently - at least 2 in Waltons, perhaps 3, a pair seen in Loxtons this morning and over in front of the first viewing platform(VP1). These were seen mating for the second time recently. Thanks to John Crispin for his sequence of 4 photos. It took 9 seconds apparently - blink ad you might miss it:

Thanks also to Andrew Kirby who took these shots from the Tor View Hide this week - one of a pair head bobbing and another of a grebe in flight. Not something you see that often - it takes a second or two to register sometimes as to what your looking at:

Could love be on the cards for our glossy ibis this year? Although they seem to be around at this time of year most years recently but have consistently let us down (I'll not get quite so excited this year). They are still being seen daily from VP1 - often earlier in the day and then they tend to fly off north and feed in parts of the reserve to the west of the Avalon Hide - often just out of sight. This morning they left the VP1 area at about 8.50am apparently.

Thanks to John Crispin for his shot of a glossy ibis in flight:

Wouldn't it be fantastic if they did decide to breed here. One of many new colonists in recent years - some more successful than others. Some are just really hard to find (or even know if they are still around each year) such as little bittern and night heron, whilst others are far more easy to track down such as cattle egret. There were 7 in the field next to the car park on Tuesday and I saw 3 there yesterday but they were spooked when the farmer came to check is cows.

Perhaps the easiest to track down and by far the most successful has to be the great white egret. It's quite rare these days not to see one during a visit and often you will see one just flying over the car park as you arrive. They will most likely start setting up nesting territories around now but they are colonial nesters, so several nests together is very common. Looking to beat last year's total of 66 fledglings across the Avalon Marshes.

Many are just moving into their breeding plumage, whilst others are already there. Tanks to John Crispin for sending in these two shots taken this week:

The second shot is pretty much there. Note the reddening of the legs (tibia tarsi), the bill changing from yellow to slate grey/black and the very green lores (where the bill meets the face) and check out the very elegant plumes.

As the breeding season gets underway we will begin to see a lot less of certain species. Starling numbers will diminish fairly quickly this month and nearly all wigeon and teal will move to their breeding grounds (individuals of both stayed in the Avalon Marshes last spring/summer). Fieldfare and redwing will also disappear - on Wednesday both could be seen flitting about in groups in the ivy covered alder trees near the toilets at the car park.

Most of our waders will disappear too, although we do often have a few pairs of lapwing which stay on to breed. A group of 40 or so flew over us yesterday whilst we were out on the reserve.

Snipe don't often hang around as things warm up. 15 or so were loafing on the cut island at Waltons earlier this week but appear to have been ousted by shoveler - there were certainly a good number of shoveler using this area this morning.

Of course we will soon welcome lots of new arrivals in the spring - my favourite time of year.

Also this week: blackcap heard singing at VP1(think I heard one between here and the car park this morning - briefly), red kite seen over the car park on Sunday and again on Tuesday, Ravens seen and heard over the reserve frequently, peregrine over the car park on Sunday, Egyptian goose along with 3 pintail (1 male, 2 female) seen from VP1 on Sunday, 4 buzzards soaring together over the car park yesterday, lesser scaup still being reported over at the Long Drove area this week, green woodpecker seen near the Avalon Hide this week - I heard one calling in the woods to the west of the Hide on Wednesday, great spotted woodpeckers seen and heard daily, kingfishers seen daily - try Waltons, the Avalon Hide or the old rail bridge perhaps and this jay photographed in flight by David Love yesterday between VP2 and the closed bridge over the drain (he was on the grassy footpath side) - thanks David:

That's it for this week. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 24.02.2023

2023-02-24T09:04:00Z

Firstly, apologies for the missing blog last week. I just ran out of time on Friday I'm afraid. It's a busy time of year as we struggle to finish all the reedbed and scrub work before the end of the month. Some areas are already out of bounds as birds such as grey heron are already setting up nests. We just have a couple of jobs left to do and then we have a little bit of down time before breeding season ramps up and the weather warms, before grasses etc start shooting away and we're busy maintaining paths and viewpoints etc.

We've also cleared out and done a temporary fix on one of the barn owl boxes visible from the Avalon Hide as well as erecting another which will replace the one on the pole eventually. We will also attempt, early next week to clear a final bit of scrub in front of the box in the wood behind the hide - it's very wet though, so we'll be using some floating blocks to access - wish us luck.

Other boxes have also been replaced but these stock doves didn't get the memo - they have often nested in barn owl boxes in the past - thanks to John Crispin for his shot:

Some of the stars this week has been the unexpected arrival of 2 penduline tits. First reported last weekend, they have been seen daily but be warned, it's not easy. A scope is recommended. Head to the 2 willow blinds just past the turning to the Avalon Hide and look across the water to the reed mace (bull rushes). They are at least 150m away. A yellow browed warbler was also spotted here around the same time but I'm not sure how many other sightings there have been of that.

Thanks to Andrew Kirby who has managed this very distant and heavily cropped photo of the penduline tits this week. It at least gives you an idea of what to look for (but also how difficult it might be):

Of course the other stars, and slightly easier to see (most of the time) are the glossy ibis. They are present at the first viewing platform (VP1) on most mornings and often into the afternoon. Occasionally they have flown over towards the Avalon Hide and dropped in to the left of the wind pump.

Thanks to John Crispin for his shots of an ibis coming into land and shots of the pair alerted whilst feeding and for Andrew Kirby's shot of what looks to be a headless glossy ibis:

This time a bird with an actual missing body part. A long tailed tit or should I say no tailed tit. This little chap has been seen by a few visitors but appears to be feeding well and coping with it's plight. Thanks to both John Crispin and Andrew Kirby who have sent in their shots:

Lots of birds are looking like they may be pairing up. There has certainly been an increase in bird song this last couple of weeks - particularly when the sun is shining. Song Thrush, great tit, robin, blue tit and reed bunting have all been singing well.

Bitterns of course are booming and getting stronger al the time. You can hear booming during the day now although around dawn would be the peak time. There have been a few sightings recently with flights seen around Waltons and over at the Avalon Hide where there was also a bird stood out in the open last week along with 4 other sightings from one visitor. Thanks to Alastair Swinnerton who sent me in his photograph:

As previously mentioned the grey herons are already looking at nesting with about 5 nests in Waltons so far as well as nests at at least 2 other locations on the reserve - these can be seen from the Waltons screens or the Tor View Hide.

Great white egrets are also thinking about nesting and can be seen on a daily basis at Ham Wall - often along the main drain, the Avalon Hide or at VP1. This individual was photographed by John Crispin getting a bit agitated with another great white egret last week. Thank John:

Thanks also to Alastair Swinnerton who sent me this photo last week of a bird opposite the new kids screen at Waltons:

Other birds thinking about nesting are the marsh harriers. A lot of activity from these birds over the last couple of weeks including some aerial displays and interactions, including from VP2 on Monday. 6 were spotted together last week at one point and a visitor saw 3 together this morning. These birds were photographed by Alastair Swinnerton on the previous Monday from the Avalon Hide. Thanks Alastair:

These 2 were photographed by John Crispin mating last week (the third time at least). I will be getting censored if I'm not careful - that's the third blog running we've had photographs of birds "being romantic".

Thanks also to Andrew Kirby who sent me these lovely shots also taken last week:

Wildfowl number are still pretty good but are reducing slowly. There's a good selection to find across the reserve including: mallard, gadwall, wigeon, teal, tufted duck, pochard, shoveler and the odd pintail (12 flew over the VP1 area on Saturday and a pair were present on Sunday. No further reports of the garganey from VP2 as far as I'm aware - that doesn't mean it's not there necessarily. Thanks to John Crispin for his fine selection of ducks taken this week:

Shoveler male and female

Gadwall male (showing full wing colour)

Wigeon landing

Pochard female

Tufted duck male

Also look out for Egyptian geese. 4 were recorded together on Monday this week flying over the VP1 area but they have also been seen out beyond Waltons to the south at Sharpham - thanks again to John Crispin for his photo. This is also the location of the lesser scaup (still being seen this week) and a goldeneye. The American Wigeon has also been spotted over on Shapwick Heath this week.

If you are heading down to look for penduline tits check out the cut bays, before you get to the turn for the Avalon Hide, in front of the benches. There have been several reports of water rail from here in the past couple of weeks. I saw a very obliging one myself last Monday (14th) - it was joined briefly by a second one at one point. Thanks to Alastair Swinnerton who looks to have spotted exactly the same bird that day and sent me a photo:

The same day a green woodpecker was flying around in front of the Avalon Hide, with a great spotted woodpecker calling in the wood behind. 6 cattle egret were also spotted in the field next to the car park - always worth checking this out while you're there just in case.

Over in Waltons the islands still play host to a number of duck species, noisy coots, little grebe and great crested grebe who have again been seen in their courtship displays and weed dancing. Snipe are also still using the cut islands in front of the Tor View Hide and the last of the Waltons screens (also visible from the main track). You sometimes have to look quite closely as they blend in well to their surroundings. A jack snipe has also been mentioned on a couple of occasions by visitors so look even closer. On Monday 14th Alastair Swinnerton reported seeing 2 snipe fencing with their bills - not sure what this behaviour denotes - test of which one is the alpha or some kind of courtship? If you know , let me know - don't think I've ever seen this behaviour. Thanks to Alastair for his shot of the action and also to John Crispin for his snipe shots taken this week:

Also this week: small groups of lapwing being spotted about the reserve, chiffchaff still occasionally feeding down on the ground - frosty mornings are best but there are surprisingly high numbers of them, firecrest spotted by both boardwalk bridges leading out of the car park recently (try these or the tree line in between them (another was also spotted by the old rail bridge), ravens often seen and heard in flight over the reserve, a red kite spotted in front of the Avalon Hide on Monday this week, 6 black tailed godwits spotted in flight over Waltons on Tuesday, 2 buzzards circling high and calling this morning from VP2 and this cettis warbler photographed by Andrew Kirby at the Tor View Hide this week (it's coming up to the best time to see them as they beginning to perch up more calling on trees by the reedbeds before they get into leaf). Thanks Andrew:

That's it for this week. Thanks for reading - hope you enjoyed it. Have a lovely weekend!!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 10.02.2023

2023-02-10T13:15:00Z

Another pleasant week weather-wise with some lovely warm sunny spells interspersed with foggy and frosty mornings. It certainly has a feel of spring at about it at times but, as always, I'm expecting a rude awakening at some point where we may feel an icy blast or have some chaotic weather.

I will enjoy it while it's here though and make the most of it. On those frosty mornings watch out for the numerous chiffchaffs which seem to come out of the trees and feed in the icy grasses on the edges of paths as the sun comes through. I'm guessing these areas are the first to get the sun so I can't blame them. They often move on ahead of you as you walk along - look out for them - not always on their own. I have frequently seen small groups of 4 or 5 together. Thanks to Robin Morrison who has sent me 2 chiffchaff photos. One in their normal abode in the trees and the second down in the frosty grass:

Chiffchaffs: Robin Morrison.

Early mornings are probably the best time to hear those early booming bitterns. I've heard several at different locations this week - still not quite full booms but certainly doing multiple sets of calls with one on the north completing a sequence of 6. One was heard over in the Waltons section this morning. A couple of flights have been recorded from the first viewing platform this week (VP1), with one individual flying right up to the north east corner of the reserve (this is where my 6 in a row bird was calling on Wednesday). Booming should become more and more evident as we approach March.

The glossy Ibis seem to enjoy Ham Wall in the mornings with several visits this week (including yesterday and this morning) but I'm not sure they are hanging around during the day. Try VP1 or over on the cut islands at Waltons. Thanks to Andrew Kirby who sent in his images (I did subtly hint in last week's blog) that were taken last Friday morning (3rd) on the Waltons island opposite the last of the 3 screens including one snacking on a frog. Beautiful colours when the light is just right:

When scanning the islands in Waltons (including from the Tor View Hide) take a real close look for any snipe which maybe hidden away - they blend in really well and you may not see them with the naked eye or a quick scan over. John Crispin managed to capture these in flight this week. Thanks John:

Plenty of duck to look out for too with good numbers of teal, mallard and gadwall to seek out amongst the hundreds of shoveler which have gathered here. Thanks to both Robin Morrison and Andrew Kirby for sending in their shots taken this week:

Shoveler: Robin Morrison.

Look out on the raft in Waltons for this feisty young mute swan who was keen to take ownership of it according to Robin Morrison, who also sent in a picture of this young pretender. Thanks Robin:

Juvenile mute swan: Robin Morrison.

A couple of pairs of great crested grebes are still present including the pair who were up to all sorts of shenanigans in last weeks blog. This week a more serene photograph from Andrew Kirby of one catching some lunch. Thanks Andrew:

This week it was the grey herons who were unabashed as they showed their own public display of affection. Thanks to both John Crispin and Robin Morrison who sent in their shots:

There are several pairs looking to set up home in the Waltons reedbeds - although they are considered by many to be tree nesters they will take readily to places like reedbeds, where there is a lack of suitable trees. Look out for them carrying sticks to make nesting platforms like this fellow snapped by John Crispin this week. Thanks John:

Marsh harriers have also been seen interacting this week with some aerial displays (as last week) and it seems that most visitors are seeing them quite readily on their visits. I have been watching a male quite frequently hunting over Waltons - so one of the first things you see as you walk onto the reserve which is nice. Thanks to John Crispin for his shot of an interaction between male and female, a female coming into land on the bush visible from VP1 and to Andrew Kirby for his shots of a female taken from the Tor View Hide this week:

You can also see, usually, marsh harriers from the Avalon Hide. The path has flooded again - we are pumping hard and reduced water flowing into this area so the pumps should soon catch back up and clear the path. I haven't tried to get up there myself - it still looked wet yesterday but wellies might do it (but don't quote me on this). My feeling is this should clear in a couple of days and return easier access.

You can get as far as the wood at the very least where both tawny owl and great spotted woodpecker were heard calling yesterday. A tawny owl has been heard calling close to the car park this week too.

I would normally send people to the Avalon Hide area for one of the best chances to se or hear bearded tits too but they were both seen and heard within the Loxtons area on Monday so you could try there.

Remember to check out the car park area and the tree lines on the main path - there are all kinds of interesting birds to see here and can increase your bird list quite substantially with a bit of patience. Look out for: bullfinch, goldcrest, song thrush, fieldfare, redwing, blackcap, mixed tit/finch flocks, friendly robins, coal tit and perhaps even a treecreeper. A firecrest was spotted in the car park area this week - check out the trees around both of the boardwalk bridges that exit the car park at each end.

Siskin and redpoll were spotted close to VP2 this week (check out the tops of the alder trees) and gangs of long tailed tits following all the tree lines - always a delight to see. Some were behaving a bit differently yesterday - perching on a tree and then flying out and hovering for a few seconds before returning to a perch - catching flies/midges perhaps? Unless it's some kind of displaying - they do nest quite early I believe.

This redwing was spotted foraging amongst the leaf litter close to the Waltons screens this week. I remember a week or so ago a cettis warbler doing something similar in full view of visitors. Thanks to John Crispin for his photo:

Also this week: 7 Bewick swans dropped into the area in front of VP1 in the mist on Tuesday but didn't stay long, yesterday 3 Egyptian geese were present in the same place but flew to the south (perhaps towards the Sharpham/Long Drove area where they have been previously), the lesser scaup still present at Long Drove this morning, American Wigeon still being reported from Shapwick Heath, drake garganey reported from VP2 on a few occasions this week, kingfishers seen by several visitors (try Waltons, the old railway bridge or VP1) raven seen flying over on a few occasions, sparrowhawk seen from VP1 early in the week and a kestrel seen over the car park.

Starlings have spent the whole week so far over on Shapwick Heath and are likely to stay there (again don't quote me). I actually don't have an exact location but still suggest parking at Ham Wall and walking across the road. Parking is very limited at the other end of Shapwick Heath. My advice to people, for what it's worth, would be to loiter around the bridge area on the main track and then you can be reactive to where they go. The alternative of course is to stand with the crowd or find someone who has already watched them this week and knows the most likely location. Avoid the weekends if you can - it still gets very busy and the car parks were full at lunchtime or so on Sunday and this causes big problems on the small local roads.

Almost there but I should never forget the very beautiful great white egret. It's easy to forget that 15 years or so ago they were an absolute rarity here. Well they are certainly here to stay and are hard to miss on a visit. Thanks to Robin Morrison for his shot taken on Monday:

I'd better stop there - the time is always chasing me. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend, whatever you do.

Recent sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 03.02.2023

2023-02-03T13:38:00Z

The best sighting of the week has to be the 2 glossy ibis. Seen daily but sometimes briefly for several days. Today, however they seemed more settled, spending quite a bit of time in front of the first viewing platform (VP1) this morning amongst the Canada geese. They then got in amongst the lapwings before they all took off and circled around for a minute or so. They then settled again on the cut island in Waltons in front of the last of the 3 screens looking west.

The light was lovely and showed up their colours to the delight of several visitors. No photos currently I'm afraid although I'm sure I'll receive some ready for next week's blog. Check out twitter - a few good photos being posted. Let's hope they decide to stick around.

Large numbers of lapwing have been in and around the reserve over the course of the week. VP1 and Waltons and the Avalon Hide good places to see them. Probably in excess of 1000 at times. Many just of the reserve too beyond the course of the River Brue in the fields there - I think they call these "The Wastes" but I'm not 100% sure.

Some are settled quite close to viewing areas at times and take a careful look for snipe settled in and around them too - well camouflaged against the cut reed stems. Waltons screen 3, the Tor View Hide and the Avalon Hide have hidden snipe for you to discover. Thanks to John Crispin for his shot of a mix of lapwing and snipe taken this week:

Also from the Tor View Hide yesterday (and from Waltons screens 1 and 2) were great crested grebes. The pair at Tor View Hide were seen mating this week and yesterday there was a third bird which kept coming into the pairs territory - I'm guessing another male judging by the reaction. Several aggressive poses, several chase across the water, a bit of fighting and panicked diving - it all made for a rather good show. These beautiful birds do have more serene and gentle moments too - with some displaying seen and presentation of weed with a little dancing.

Thanks to John Crispin who has sent in a sequence shots of the pair mating on Wednesday. Be warned this is Certificate 18 - they're certainly not shy, these two!:

Their smaller cousin, the little grebe is also present - making plenty of noise (sounds a bit like a whinnying horse maybe) - this one looking very colourful - ready for spring. Thanks to Andrew Kirby for his photo:

Lots of other noisy birds in the vicinity too - most notably the coots, which always add some noise and action to the proceedings. One pair have taken over the platform the the great crested grebes built last week (the grebes have since built another further into the reeds). Lots of other coots getting a bit stroppy with each other - territorial disputes perhaps.

Water rails were also very noticeable in this area - several calling and replying to each other along the Tor View Hide path reeds.

Other nest building going on here is by grey herons - you will most likely see them perched in the reeds - often in pairs, with one nest platform more obvious than others. Herons often start building early so this is no great surprise. You may see them carrying sticks or suitable reed stems such as this fellow photographed by John Crispin this week. Thanks John:

Marsh harriers have been seen mating - on the willow bush visible beyond the VP1 water earlier this week. Also some aerial interactions such as sky dancing - reinforcing pair bonds and the like. They are being seen across most of the reserve this week: The Avalon Hide VP1, VP2 and Waltons all frequent sighting areas. They can commonly be seen in the mornings quartering over the reedbeds once the starlings have left too. Thanks to both John Crispin and Andrew Kirby for their marsh harrier photos taken this week:

The starlings have been moving around a little this week on Ham Wall - I was thinking earlier in the week that they would probably end on Shapwick Heath soon given this behaviour. Well, it has happened. After quite a few birds drifting over during Weds and Thursday last week they whole lot seem to be on Shapwick Heath now. I don't have an exact location but would suggest starting at the bridge part way up and wait to see where the bulk of the birds go.

Whilst on Shapwick look out for the American Wigeon which is still present in the first stretch of open water on the right. Lots of pintail too I hear on Noah's Lake.

Starlings also attract the aerial predators too such as sparrowhawk and peregrine, which have both been seen this week.

If you are parking at Ham Wall (there is limited parking elsewhere) check out the trees as you cross over the boardwalk exit to Shapwick and around the reserve entrance for firecrest - reported a couple of times this week. Plenty of goldcrest around the reserve too.

Plenty of birds seen in and around the car park this week including: bullfinch, coal tit, redwing, fieldfare, song thrush, jay, blackcap and great spotted woodpecker on one of the telegraph poles. All these can be seen out along the main path too, whilst this individual was photographed by John Crispin in the pond at the north east corner of Waltons - not the place I would normally expect to see a great spotted woodpecker I'm guessing the water is still partially frozen making the log stable. Thanks John:

Along the rail path also look out for chiffchaff - one in song this morning, siskin and redpolls in the alders, treecreeper - I had one near Loxtons on Saturday (28th), lots of friendly robins and great tits, gangs of long tailed tits (a nice group around the Tor View Hide yesterday and blackcap.

Now the water has unfrozen, the water fowl seem to have spread back out a bit. VP1 offers wigeon, teal and pochard in particular (37 counted yesterday), whilst Waltons gives you coot, shoveler, gadwall, tufted duck as well as a few teal - some in nice and close.

At VP2 look out for the drake garganey - it was showing this morning flitting in and out of a group of mallard (the size difference is quite obvious here).

The lesser scaup frozen out of Long Drove near Sharpham has returned since the thaw (was seen this morning) - apparently a goldeye was also present yesterday. Egyptian goose, white fronted goose and a few cattle egrets have also been seen nearby recently.

Thanks to John Crispin for his shot taken this week - it's always worth scanning local fields of cattle in your way in (sometimes they drop into the field right next to the car park):

Also this week: ravens seen and heard flying over, bittern seen at the Avalon Hide (still a few weak boomers being heard - not quite warmed up yet), a single crane seen flying over the reserve at the far end of the rail path on Wednesday, bearded tits seen close to the Avalon Hide on Wednesday, kingfishers spotted at several locations: Avalon Hide, Waltons, VP1 and the old rail bridge, great white egrets seen regularly from VP1 or sat by the main drain through the reserve waiting patiently for a fish (12 were seen roosting together in Waltons last week), a jack snipe reported from VP2 and a water rail spotted from the gents toilets (not sure how this happened - all I know is that I'm not tall enough to see out of the windows there but the person who reported probably was).

Also not on Ham Wall but a lovely local find was this black redstart. It was captured on the nest cam boxes on St Johns Church in Glastonbury as the cameras were being checked over ready for the return of the peregrines. It's most likely the same one seen around the Abbey this week. Thanks to Steve Edwards for sending me in a couple of snaps:

I'd also like to say a very big thank you to Secret World who came out today to pick up a very poorly looking otter from the side of the road between the Avalon Marshes Centre and Shapwick Heath. They responded very quickly and professionally. I'll try to get an update next week to let you know whether it "made it" or not. Thanks Secret World!!

It's delayed me writing this by about an hour but I've just managed to squeeze it in. Still it was worth it.

That's it for now, as I really have run out of time. A wardens work is never done.

Hope you've enjoyed reading. Have a great weekend.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 27.01.2023

2023-01-27T13:43:00Z

Another week has flown by and it's Friday blog time again already. Time certainly seems to pass quickly and looking at some of the behaviour of birds on the reserve you'd think spring was already here (although it certainly hasn't felt like it at times this week).

This morning from the Tor View Hide, the pair of great crested grebes, who were last week head bobbing and weed dancing, were seen mating and have even begun preparing a nesting platform.

The Waltons and Loxtons areas are well populated with duck - shoveler particularly obvious. Many look like they are in pairs and some have been seen swimming round in circles with each other - part of their mating ritual. One of the volunteers, on Thursday mentioned seeing several males making short looping flights in front of female birds - trying to impress them perhaps. I saw a few near me doing something similar but falling ungracefully through the thin ice just under the water - perhaps, not so impressive.

As I mentioned last week, bitterns have been attempting to boom - a couple of quiet wheezes all that's being accomplished most of the time - they are still warming up that big neck muscle which projects the impressive boom. It perhaps won't be long before we hear the fully formed sound - part of the fabric of Ham Wall these days.

One was seen flying across the car park in the gloom after the impressive starling display on Sunday (thanks to Mike Dilger for pointing it out - think I would have missed it otherwise - too busy talking to all the excited visitors). I had seen 2 cattle egret flying over the car park earlier in the day, which was nice. 6 had been reported in the field next door on Saturday (21st). Also on Sunday a bittern was seen sat out in the reeds at Waltons. Perhaps it was this one photographed by Andrew Kirby from the Tor View Hide. You can see how they disappear into the reeds so well. It is there, honestly. Thanks Andrew:

Several birds can be heard in song. Robins (no surprise there), blue tit, great tit and song thrush all heard in song this morning. Some visitors were thrilled to see robin and great tit feeding out of their hands this morning.

Many cormorants seem to be gathering in their usual nest sites - there must have been about 25 there this morning and grey herons (traditionally early nesters) are also taking a look at their usual spots in the Waltons reedbeds - visible from the screens or the Tor View Hide. One bird was photographed there this week displaying by Andrew Kirby. He wasn't sure who to as he was sat there alone. That was different this morning with 2 pairs sat together in the reeds. Thanks to Andrew for his shot of the displaying bird (a fine looking bird indeed):

Although this is spring like behaviour, the colder weather has changed some birds behaviour too. Some have no choice but to become a bit braver and venture out into the open. Classic ones for this are moorhens. There were several out on the Loxtons trail together on Monday morning as I undertook the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) in this area. Once they saw me they scattered in all directions.

Chiffchaffs seem more abundant at the moment with high numbers seen, particularly in the colder weather. Small groups (4 or 5 birds) have been seen following the ditch and path edges searching for food in the low vegetation.

Water rails often come out of hiding too and some visitors have been reporting seeing them around the reserve - they are also becoming more vocal though, with spring at the back of their minds.

The cold snap we've been having has been keeping some areas completely iced over, but groups of birds tend to get pushed together wherever their constant movement has kept a spot open. There was a ring of open water from the first viewing platform (VP1) for much of the week as well as large pockets of birds in both the Waltons and Loxtons sections.

It's turned slightly milder which means the thaw is underway and water bodies are opening back up again. There were hundreds of wigeon and teal in particular from VP1 this morning whilst over in Waltons there were plenty of shoveler along with gadwall, mallard, some tufted duck and the ever noisy and boisterous Coot. Thanks to John Crispin for is shot of tufted duck in flight and of male and female Teal having a preen this week:

There are a few teal close in from the screen facing the cut island at Waltons this morning and if you look very closely some snipe were hiding there too. Thanks again to John Crispin for sending in a couple of snipe shots taken at this location:

Note the location of eye of the snipe giving it virtually 360 degree vision - pretty handy when there are predators about.

Definitely one or two predators at Ham Wall to be concerned about. Perhaps the most obvious would be the marsh harrier. They are seen daily on the reserve, with both male and female seen from the Tor View this morning and from the Avalon Hide where the were showing courtship behaviour in flight.

Yes, I did say the Avalon Hide. The good news is that the previously flooded path is back open now that surrounding drainage channels have dropped. We have pumped for 10 days solid to try and get things "back to normal" although the cold snap afterwards caused an ice rink effect even once levels were low enough. I've been up this morning and cleared some more ice off the path in places to widen the passable area - it is a bit sticky though.

The reward for getting to the hide was a nice bunch of teal, marsh harriers, great white egret, great spotted woodpecker in the woodland and a kingfisher so worth the trip - apologies for the mass of starling feathers and messy floor in there - the barn owls have been up to their usual tricks.

One was spotted out in daylight from VP2 over last weekend.

Other birds of prey include buzzard seen daily, tawny owl heard calling in the daytime near the car park, sparrowhawk over the car park on Wednesday but also around starling time and a peregrine which cut through the starling flock on Sunday (22nd) but was also seen chasing a marsh harrier from the car park earlier in the day.

I've mentioned them twice at least already so I'll deal with starlings next. Sunday and Monday were spectacular displays over the car park and Waltons (where they eventually settled) with wonderful murmurations - i was in on Sunday working and even I went WOW! By Tuesday they were not in Waltons at all but were visible distantly from VP1. Last night not visible from there at all. although a couple I spoke too today said a lot of birds just carried on to the east. So my guess is that there is a large roost distantly in front of VP2.

I'm saying guess because it seems they are beginning to move around a bit more frequently making it a bit harder to predict. My advice would be to perhaps go to VP1 and see where they start to gather. If they come back to Waltons and VP1 - happy days. If not you have the option to quickly move towards VP2. Or you could take the gamble and go to VP2 and risk that they go back to Waltons or even over to Shapwick but see the whole thing even if a little distant.

There's always plenty to see while you wait for (or try too track down) the starlings - as you can tell from what I've already written but it's worth scanning all the birds in the tree lines by the main path too. Groups of birds are sometimes mixed too and can hide some more unusual birds.

From the main path this week, we've had reported: lesser redpoll, siskin (both near one of the new benches looking into Loxtons), bullfinch, redwing, fieldfare, treecreeper, coal tit, Siberian chiffchaff (not sure of location on this one), gangs of long tailed tits, goldcrest near the end of the boardwalk bridge from the car park and great spotted woodpecker.

Reed buntings have been seen here too but generally they seem a little more obvious - perhaps forced to feed higher up on reed stems due to the frozen ground. Thanks to both Andrew Kirby and John Crispin who have sent me reed bunting photos this week:

Also this week: an otter seen in the drain from the old rail bridge, a stoat seen hanging around the visitor building at the car park, muntjac seen along the grass footpath on Monday, a roe deer sat in clear view across the drain from the main path on Monday morning, a fox seen near the Avalon Hide, jay seen at the car park, raven over the car park this morning but numerous other sightings this week, great white egrets from VP1 on most days, kingfisher from the old rail bridge and at Waltons this week whilst over on Shapwick Heath the American wigeon is still present on Meare Heath whilst the lesser scaup from the south end of Ham Wall last week is now on Noah's lake after being frozen out I suspect (a ring necked duck was also reported close to it).

Before I go I've been asked to share some info about some upcoming guided walks on the reserve, so here goes:

Bird watching for beginners – guided walk at RSPB Ham Wall

18^th Feb 2023 10.30am – 12.30am.

Learn to tell your great tits from your coal tits and your dunnocks from your house sparrows. Join us on a walk around RSPB Ham Wall as we see how many different birds we can spot, whilst learning more about their different behaviours.

Mother’s Day Sights and Sounds of Spring – guided walk at RSPB Ham Wall

19^th March 2023 10.30am – 12.30am.

Join us on a walk around the reserve as we enjoy the sights and sounds of Spring, whilst learning more about the different birds and other wildlife which you can find at RSPB Ham Wall.

Ticket prices for both are £8.50 Adult RSPB member, £10.50 Adult non-RSPB member, £4.50 Child RSPB member and £5.50 Child non-RSPB member.

Right, that's it for another week. Hope you've enjoyed the read and have a great weekend. I will be working on Saturday, so come and say hello if you are visiting.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 20.01.2023

2023-01-20T14:35:00Z

Thank goodness for a drier week - we really needed it didn't we. Our pumps have been on full time since Sunday morning and the level in the ditch that runs through the reserve is higher than when it started BUT it has dropped about 2 inches since yesterday so it should now start to draw down much more noticeably over the next few days.

The roads in to the reserve have been accessible - although the ice has caused a few delays here and there with some large vehicles leaving the road, so take care out there. It was -6C on my way in to work this morning.

Despite some very frosty starts and even a little snow on Wednesday, we've had some glorious sunshine too - today no exception.

We've been out double checking sluices and valves - anything to give our pumps a helping hand to get water levels down. The Avalon Hide remains inaccessible at the moment.

We've had several interesting sightings throughout the week though. A male garganey was a bit of a surprise. It was reported to me in front of the first viewing platform (VP1) where it was heard calling and displaying (unconfirmed reports of a female). On looking on twitter it seems most reports are from the second platform (VP2) so it could well be moving about - lots of ice over the water so could well be moving about - there is suggestions of a second, less well marked bird, too.

Thanks to John Crispin for his photos taken this week:

There have also been sightings of a female lesser scaup from our Long Drove compartment (still these yesterday) - it's a fair way south of Waltons and not accessible to the public. It has been seen from the road which runs by the end but these roads aren't ideal when it's icy. There are several photos on twitter if you fancy seeing it. Reports nearby of white fronted goose and 2 Egyptian geese (think these have been in the area for a while and have been seen on the main reserve recently).

Another surprise sighting was a grass snake sunning itself yesterday near the old rail bridge on the main track. It was very warm in the afternoon just like this morning. This area is often good for them - the gabions etc around the bridge must still be a hibernaculum.

The warm spells of weather, however short, are triggering other behaviours too. I'm pretty sure I've heard another couple of attempts by bitterns at booming (adding to last weeks grunting male). A tawny owl male was calling on both Tuesday and Wednesday in the trees near the car park this week, in the middle of the day whilst great crested grebes have again been displaying.

A pair was head bobbing and weed dancing on Tuesday from the screens at Waltons. Thanks to Andrew Kirby who captured these shots from the Tor View Hide this week - most likely the same pair. It's a fascinating bit of behaviour - great to see:

Waltons has been pretty packed with birds at times this week - their movement stopping the water from icing over. A few hundred coot, plenty of gadwall and shoveler too add to the action and noise. There were 2 coots on the north of the reserve today who were swimming around in a circle of water about 5 feet wide this morning. They dive down to the bottom for food so they have worked hard to keep their little patch open and ice free.

There was a great white egret stood alone in an ice free pool too, hunched over, waiting for it's moment. The majority seemed to be fishing along the main drain this morning along with grey herons and the odd cormorant. This drain is flowing fairly quickly at the moment as the Environment Agency try and draw water off the levels. They can be seen elsewhere though - there were a couple standing in the Waltons reedbeds on Tuesday and John Crispin captured these shots of a successful fishing attempt this week too. Thanks John:

We are prioritising some of our scrub work in areas where great white egrets nest annually as to be out of the area in plenty of time before they start prospecting for nest sites.

The icy weather can often make life a lot more difficult for birds - feeding opportunities for some are vastly reduced and just preserving energy for some is hard. One good reason why we have zones on the reserve with more distant or no public access as to reduce disturbance for birds at this time of year as well as during breeding season - constant disturbance means birds flying up and around using up more energy.

Behaviours can often change too. Some birds may more to estuaries where water is less likely to freeze or simply spend more time out in the open on the hunt for food. It's often a time you may see more moorhens for example or even water rails. One was spotted at the Tor View Hide this week and on the fishing ponds at the far end of the main track this morning along with a kingfisher.

Kingfishers have been seen pretty frequently this week: from the old rail bridge, the Waltons section on several occasions as well as at Loxtons and VP1. Always a pleasure to see that flash of blue. Learn and listen out for their call as to give you a clue of their presence. These photos were sent in by Sandie Andrews. Not Ham Wall I'm afraid. She's been having a lovely time in Spain and sent these over - I couldn't resist including them. She's also sent me some photos of flocks of night herons and glossy ibis - I won't post these just yet but perhaps a glimpse into the future for us - I can always dream. Thanks Sandie:

Starlings are still roosting on Ham Wall each night. Still currently split with a larger group pretty distant from VP2 but a smaller group - I say small - about 200,000 in the western side of Waltons, nice and close. Best viewed from the VP1 area. Thanks to John Crispin for a couple of shots of birds taking off one morning this week:

Remember if you are planning a visit to see them roost, arrive in plenty of time - at least an hour before sunset. There's plenty to see while you wait. Avoid weekends if at at possible - it does get very busy and sometimes the car park hits capacity and we are full. Please don't park on the road or in gateways - it can cause a bit of a traffic headache.

There are usually staff or volunteers on hand to show you where to go too and you can grab a hot drink before heading out to see the show.

There are quite a few duck out in front of VP1 to look at while you wat. Plenty of teal out there this morning, a few lapwing, wigeon, mallard and Canada geese along with a few snipe. They were all gathered close together this morning due to much of it being iced over.

Lapwing and snipe have also been observed over on the cut islands in Waltons. Thanks to John Crispin who has sent in his shot of snipe taken this week. You might have to scan carefully to pick them up sometimes, as they blend in quite well to the surrounding reeds:

In the mornings after the starlings leave look out for marsh harriers quartering over the reedbeds looking for dead or dying starlings for an easy breakfast. Up to 4 have been seen at once this week but they can also be seen during the day with good views from both platforms and the Tor View Hide this morning.

Also this week: a cattle egret in the field next to the car park on Tuesday (always worth checking the fields in the local area on your way in to us - but keeping your eyes on the road obviously), barn owl out hunting during the day on Tuesday from VP1, a kittiwake reported flying over Loxtons on Saturday (14th), water pipit spotted from VP1 last weekend - not been told of any since but doesn't mean they are never there - they've been fairly frequent up to now, bullfinch spotted along the main path, great spotted woodpeckers seen and heard regularly, roe deer seen wandering the grassy banks of the reserve, groups of reed buntings moving about together, stonechats seen perched up close to VP1, American wigeon still being reported from over on Shapwick Heath, ravens seen and heard on most days over the car park, redpolls seen feeding in alder trees by the car park on Tuesday and a group of bearded tits in the very first bit of reedbed on the left of the track this morning - visible from the old rail bridge but could walk the other side and wait at the no entry gate and try your luck during a sunny spell would be best.

Phew, I'd better leave it there for this week - time is pressing as always. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 13.01.2023

2023-01-13T14:43:00Z

Firstly, I ought to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year. There should have been a blog last week but something came up (apologies) so here we are almost 2 weeks into January already. Well, I think the theme for the new year so far is Wet Wet Wet!!

The reserve is a touch on the moist side to say the least. This morning the Avalon Hide path was just about passable in wellies but with more rain on the way, waders may be required by tomorrow. To compound this I have had to turn off our pumps, as the main drain is very high and we have another deluge on the way tonight and we can't pump water into an already full system so we will be collecting rather a lot more in the next 24 hours or so. It's the responsible thing to do, so bear with us and I will get those pumps back on as soon as possible.

The rest of the reserve is still accessible, although the Loxtons trail is most likely very sticky.

You can see plenty from the main path though. A stop at the first viewing platform (VP1) will give you a fair few lapwing. Commonly around 150 here daily but I'm pretty sure there were about 300 this morning. The water levels have come up significantly in here though (partly on purpose, as we want to try and drown out some of the reed regrowth to leave the area more open or patchy). It means many lapwing have been pushed out to other areas (some in Waltons on Monday) - there are plenty of flooded fields locally now for sure. There were as many as 2500 last week, perhaps even 3000 at times.

The 40-50 black tailed godwits have also been pushed out now by rising levels but again there was a group visible from the Tor View Hide on Monday. Thanks to John Crispin for his shots of black tailed godwits taken from VP1 before the levels rose:

Canada geese seem to be enjoying the reserve at the moment with 12 regulars at VP1, I have seen and heard plenty of others around the reserve this week. Ducks have joined them too with a fair selection from VP1 and over in Waltons in front of the screens and the hide: mallard, gadwall, shoveler, tufted duck, wigeon, teal and a few pochard all recorded (along with numerous coot in Waltons).

Snipe too can be seen here, although they can take a little more effort as they blend in so well to the cut reeds. Around 18 were counted on the first cut island visible at Waltons, with another 23 sat on a floating raft of cut reeds from the Tor View Hide. Some were visible on the cut islands here on Monday. Thanks again to John Crispin for his shot of snipe taken last week:

Look out also for great crested grebes. The pair that have been resident all winter have already been showing signs of courtship - although not yet in their breeding plumage. Visible often from the Tor View Hide with a third bird spotted from VP1. 3 little grebes have also been spotted from the hide. Thanks to John Crispin once more more his photos of great crested grebes taken at Waltons:

It may seem a bit grim out there but other birds too are thinking ahead to spring and finding their voice or at least practicing. we heard our first bittern of the year - not booming, but grunting - it's way of warming up that bit neck muscle ready for a proper boom.

During the brief sunny spells this week plenty of robins singing (ok nothing unusual) b ut also great tit, blue tit, song thrush and chiffchaff all heard (might get a shock next week - I've heard snow forecast - don't quote me.

This chiffchaff was photographed last week by John Crispin - thanks John:

It's showing well its primary wing projection, which is much longer in the willow warbler due to it being a longer distance migrant.

A couple of blackcaps have also been spotted (had 3 in my garden in Wells) close to VP1 but also check in the trees along the main path for bullfinch, gangs of long tailed tits, treecreeper, goldcrest, redpoll and siskin to name just a few.

The starlings continue to wow visitors, with the car park full to bursting on a few occasions during the Christmas break. It is still very popular so if you are planning a visit, avoid weekends if you can and arrive in plenty of time just in case (a good hour before dusk is recommended).

The flock has been a bit split, so the best advice we can give this week is to start at VP1 - a fairly good size flock has been dropping into Waltons all week and is nice and close. A peregrine passed through the flock last night and helped keep them up a bit longer so I hear.

A second slightly larger roost site is in front of VP2 but much more distant and not offering such good views as those at Waltons. Estimates in excess of 600,000 birds is what I'm hearing but I rarely get to see the roost myself so your estimate is as good as ours.

In the mornings, in particular look out for marsh harriers quartering over the roost site once they have left looking for prey - 4 were counted yesterday morning. A well marked male and a female were hunting here on Monday afternoon too, visible from the Tor View Hide.

As you can imagine, sightings this week have been harder to come by, wet weather and low visitor numbers means less information feeding back to me but there have been a one or two nice surprises recently - a cattle egret was in Loxtons on Monday (many out and about in local fields - although local flooding has most likely changed their locations), a male hen harrier was on the sightings board over the Christmas break but have no other information on this, 2 Egyptian geese flew over the main path to Loxtons last Friday, firecrest reported at Loxtons in the first week of January (could try in the car park scrub and hedges - it's a place they get spotted most winters), a flyover by some cranes during the Christmas break too and 2 grey wagtails seen on Tuesday sat on the pontoon bridge floating to the left (east) of VP1.

2 water pipits were also spotted from VP1 recently and have been pretty regular close to the artificial sand martin bank or even on it on one occasion. Thanks as always to John Crispin for his shots:

In the same area look out for cormorants often in their familiar wings out pose. The following bird in John Crispin's photo is in full breeding plumage, so you can now see all 3 stages on the reserve: breeding, non breeding adult and juvenile. I've seen cormorants already beginning to gather at their usual breeding site, so it won't be long. It means staff and volunteers need to get some vital tree work done in the area next week so we don't cause disturbance to breeding birds if they start early.

Also this week: kingfishers spotted regularly - try Walton or from the old rail bridge (seen on both sides this week), great spotted woodpecker heard at the car park and elsewhere, kestrel seen by a visitor from VP1 on Monday, sparrowhawks seen close to starling time, look out for stonechats perched high on reed stems, water rails getting very vocal this week, ravens seen and heard in flight, buzzards seen daily and the American Wigeon is still present over on Shapwick Heath - usually to the left of the section the tower hide looks at by the newly formed bank.

I'll have to leave it there for this week as I'm running out of time as always. Thanks for reading and have an enjoyable weekend - don't forget your brolly!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 22.12.2022

2022-12-21T09:38:00Z

The cold snap hit hard last week during my week off. Temperatures plummeting down into minus figures and often holding there throughout the day. Much of the reserve was iced over with little open water left. Only where larger numbers of birds gathered did their movement keep it open.

Much more mild this week, which has of course brought rain and quite high water levels in the drainage channels, but no doubt, some relief for wildlife on the search for food.

In the car park song thrush have been happily gobbling berries from some of the bushes. This one managed to grab a quick snack before being chased off by a second bird - competition becomes more fierce when food is harder to come by. Fieldfare have also been seen and one individual has been hanging around for a few days now - I saw it yesterday feeding. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her song thrush shot and to Mike Pearce for his fieldfare shot:

I was greeted yesterday on the reserve by some very friendly robins and a great tit who got very close - hoping for a snack from me I suspect. The great tit was very close to me and it was fascinating to watch it stripping bark from the tree just above my head in the search for food.

Last week things were a bit tougher, with a heavy frost on the reed stems making things harder for birds such as reed buntings and bearded tit - now feeding exclusively on reed seeds - one would imagine they would have to eat many of the seeds to sustain themselves during the cold weather. Thanks again to Sandie Andrews who took this shot of a female reed bunting feeding on frozen reed panicles:

Bearded tits have been seen and heard around the reserve these past couple of weeks. The Avalon Hide area is the most common place but they have been recorded over in the Waltons section recently too. 2 were spotted by Sandie Andrews at the Tor View Hide last week and, perhaps the same 2, were seen again from the viewing areas on the main track close to the old rail bridge on the way back to the car park. They weren't hanging around though and didn't sit still long enough for her to get the shot she wanted but here's what she did get. Thanks Sandie:

Smaller birds can often be hard to photograph - particularly if they tend to skulk about in trees and bushes feeding. Here's a couple of great examples. Here's a lovely shot of a goldcrest by Sandie Andrews. It was one of two which were chasing each other about in the undergrowth. This one just stopped still long enough, distracted by the second bird, for Sandie to get her shot - thanks Sandie:

Another example is the treecreeper. Always on the move winding their way up tree trunk to tree trunk - you've just got to wait for the opportunity. Thanks for your shot Sandie:

It's always worth checking the tree lines along the main path - there are all sorts of birds hiding out there. We've had recent reports of blackcap, bullfinch, siskin, redpoll, coal tit, gangs of long tailed tits as well as other flocks of tits and finches - remember it's worth scanning the whole flock in case something else is hiding amongst them - you never know what you might see. Chiffchaffs often travel in mixed flocks of birds for example - these individuals were photographed last week by Sandie Andrews searching for food in the frosty weather:

Larger birds might have more fat reserves etc but it must be tough out there. When water bodies get frozen birds may have to move around to find open water for feeding. Most likely what these dozen black tailed godwits were up to last week. Thanks again to Sandie for her shot of these birds in flight last week during the frozen weather:

Of course, we try to minimise disturbance to birds - particularly when it's cold and icy. Birds need to preserve as much energy as possible and frequent disturbance would be detrimental. We reduce activity in certain places and try to keep visitors screened on the approaches to hides and screens etc.

Some disturbance is inevitable - particularly from birds of prey also looking for a meal. Some birds are more easily spooked than others and with large groups of lapwing present, it only takes one bird to get a bit twitchy to set the whole group off. It is nice to see the flock in the air though and I love the noise and action they bring to the reserve. Check out the first viewing platform (VP1) to see lapwing and small groups of snipe too on occasions.

There area a fair few duck present here too. Winter visitors such as wigeon and teal and to the chorus of noise with their peeps and whistles, but also look out for gadwall, mallard, shoveler and a few tufted duck. Thanks to John Crispin for his shots of both teal an shoveler in flight:

If a bird of prey is disturbing flocks a marsh harrier is the most likely culprit but there has been a couple of sightings of a male hen harrier recently (it's been spotted more over at Catcott Lows - Somerset Wildlife Trust). The hen harrier was spotted on the 9th and wowed the crowds during the starling murmuration. Starling roost time is often a good time to see birds of prey too (as if the starlings aren't enough). Sparrowhawk and peregrine have also been seen quite frequently.

There have been some wonderful murmurations recently with a peregrine flying through the flock on Monday. The location of the roost has been a little changeable lately with birds split into different roosts at times with a brief visit to Shapwick Heath included. The best advice at the moment is to go to VP1 (it's where the main bulk were last night) and wait to see what happens.

We have a map in the car park with a magnetic starling placed on the location of the last known roost site. Alternatively staff or volunteers present will do their best to direct you. Avoid weekends if you can and during Christmas week be warned - it gets very busy, as lots of people are on holiday. Come early, otherwise the car park often fills up and we have to turn people away. Please do not park on the road or block gateways as it causes absolute chaos for traffic. The roost will be present on the levels in good numbers throughout January and February too, so you have plenty of opportunities. For further tips and advice about coming to see the starlings click here: https://bit.ly/starlings2022

Thanks to John Crispin for his sunrise shot of starlings and to Alison Morgan for her sundown shots all taken this week:

In the mornings marsh harriers and other birds of prey will hunt over the roost site after the starlings have left looking for dead or dying starlings and therefore an easy meal to start the day. 4 were seen together last week. Thanks to John Crispin for his shots of a male hen harrier taken last week:

Buzzards are also seen pretty much daily. This individual was following the tractor as it trimmed the hedges around the car park. It was either hoping to find some disturbed prey or for a share of the drivers sandwiches - on both counts it was unsuccessful and so moved on to perch on the bug house. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her observations and lovely photo:

This buzzard might think twice before perching on the marsh harriers favourite perch again after getting some aggressive treatment. Thanks to John Crispin for capturing the scene:

The driver also trimmed some of the vegetation in front of VP1 (whatever he could reach anyway) and was followed, on this occasion, by a kingfisher working its way along the main drain.

There was also a kingfisher whistling its way around Waltons yesterday and there have also been reports from the Avalon Hide.

Grey herons are often spotted along the main drain too waiting patiently for an opportunity to pounce on a fish. This one was disturbed but luckily knew to follow signs to the Avalon Hide, where it could fish in peace. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her shot:

The Avalon Hide, VP1 and VP2 are also good places to catch sight of great white egrets too. A once rare bird now commonplace on the Somerset Levels. Another rarity, now more common locally is the cattle egret. I've been seeing some feeding in fields on the way into work so worth keeping your eyes peeled as you drive to us for a visit (keeping your eyes on the road too of course).

Hopefully views into VP1 have improved after some trimming back - there are still a few reed stems towards the back that we may tackle in the New Year. I've already mentioned many of the birds you may see there already but things did get a little more festive last week with seven swans a swimming last Friday. Well they were more skating on ice much of the time but these were no ordinary swans. They were Bewicks - they arrived last Friday but left the next day. Thanks to John Crispin we have some photographic proof. One of the shots also includes a mute swan to give you a size comparison.

Other visitors to this area during the last week have also included 3 pintail (2 male, 1 female), 3 Egyptian geese (17th) and some water pipits. Thanks again to John Crispin for his pintail shots and one of a water pipit (all taken this week):

Also on Saturday 15 common gulls flew over the reserve to the south west. Identifiable by white tips to the birds primary feathers. Thanks to John Crispin for his photo:

Over in Waltons look amongst the ducks for great crested grebes - there were two yesterday and for little grebe also. You may also hear water rails, although sightings can be elusive - the icy weather often brings more out into the open though, so worth bearing in mind.

Well that's nearly it from me for this year - the next blog will be in January.

January also sees the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch - are you signed up yet?

Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. You don’t even need a garden (big or otherwise!) to take part as counting birds from a balcony, or local park plays an equally important role in helping us understand just how the UK’s birds are doing.

Sign up for your free guide here today and let’s get ready to look out for birds together on 27-29 January

That just leaves me to say thank you for reading the blogs and a special thank you to all have have contributed photos and information throughout the year - it really is a massive help.

Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas and New Year - lets see what the New Year brings.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 09.12.2022

2022-12-09T15:01:00Z

The colder weather has continued this week with a thin layer of ice now formed over many parts of the reserve. Groups of birds have started to gather together in tighter bunches as space on the water becomes reduced. A group of around 20 coot were standing proud on the ice on the way to the Avalon Hide today, whilst the family of around 8 mute swans were far too heavy but were happily taking short swims around and keeping some of the area open.

This coot shot was taken earlier in the week from the Tor View Hide by Sandie Andrews running on water rather than ice though. Thanks Sandie:

There are a few coot out there and as I mention last week a pair of gadwall were mugging coots of there food after diving. This has continued to happen and John Crispin's first shot shows a gadwall with it's plunder. The second shot shows it's lovely plumage - especially the scapulars. Thanks John:

You may have noticed more cut areas of reed in the last week or so. The amphibious reed cutters (Truxors) have been busy creating areas of interest close to hides and screens as well as clearing channels which have become overgrown. They have also tidied the edges of the islands in front of the first viewing platform (VP1) and really opened the area up.

We have run a pump (as I promised last week) and water levels here have risen. My colleagues will do more pumping will happen next (I'm away so no blog next week I'm afraid) so you should see even more changes.

The lapwing seem to enjoy this area with varying numbers each day with around 800 recorded at one point. They are often spooked by passing marsh harriers or other birds of prey to add some action to the wonderful noise they produce when present.

Yesterday 2 ruff were spotted here and a few black tailed godwits have joined them on a couple of occasions. Small groups of snipe are also present but they are pretty hard to spot unless disturbed. Thanks to Sandie Andrews who took this snipe shot close to the Avalon Hide this week:

Whilst John Crispin took shots of this individual on the cut areas in Waltons. Thanks John:

Also from VP1 look out for growing numbers of wigeon and teal (quite a big influx this week with over 500 counted on the north side of the reserve) and from the visits of little egret, great white egret and grey heron. Although you can actually see better views of the latter two along the main drain more often than not. Thanks to Mike Pearce for his great white egret shot and to Sandie Andrews and John Crispin for sending in their grey heron photos:

The cut areas of reed has also attracted birds such as water pipit (seen from VP1) and both pied and grey wagtails (on the way to the Avalon Hide). This pied wagtail was seen flitting short distances to feed in front of the Tor View Hide this week and snapped by Sandie Andrews - thanks Sandie:

Stonechats have also been spotted in the cut areas or perching high on reed stems. This lovely male specimen was photographed sunning itself by the Tor View Hide this week by Sandie Andrews. Thanks Sandie:

The second viewing platform (VP2) has had good numbers of both teal and wigeon throughout the week along with great white egrets, Canada Goose, coot and moorhen as well as this Egyptian goose photographed by John Crispin - it could be a first year bird. Thanks John:

Marsh harriers frequent both viewing platform areas quite regularly as well as the Avalon Hide.:

Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her shots of a female from interesting angles and for her third shot of a bird diving. It was flying over when it suddenly changed direction after something had caught it's eye and whoosh! it was dropping down:

Other birds of prey spotted this week include a tawny owl heard calling from the car park, sparrowhawk seen from the Avalon Hide & over the car park, buzzards and kestrel.

This kestrel has been spending a good amount of time around the dead alder tree on the way to the Avalon Hide or on the larger trees opposite on the other side of the main drain. Thanks to Mike Pearce for sending in his shot:

Of course a good time to see birds of prey is at starling roost time. Either in the evening or at morning take off. Many birds, particularly marsh harriers, will quarter over the roost after "lift off" to pick up dead or struggling starlings for an easy meal.

The birds have moved around a little bit this week, having been either side of VP1 they have since been using Loxtons and a large group has also been out to the north of the reserve distant from VP2 so they have been giving people the run around a bit.

Remember to check out all the trees at the car park and on the way into the reserve. As many as 4 bullfinches were reported on Wednesday this week along with a firecrest, whilst goldcrests and chiffchaff have been seen and heard along the main track too. Fieldfares, song thrushes and blackbirds have all been seen enjoying berries on the car park bushes and trees this week. Thanks to Sandie Andrews for her lovely photos. The blackbird was seen to flick its head up and toss the berry in the air before catching it. Fascinating behaviour:

Great source of food for these birds at this time of year as it gets colder. Not sure what this roe deer is doing. Certainly having a good sniff - good enough to eat? It was spotted on the footpath between VP1 and VP2 this week. Sandie Andrews was on the opposite side of the drain and so the deer allowed her to watch for some 20 mins before moving off. Thanks for the photo Sandie:

Also this week: ravens seen flying over, green woodpecker heard calling in the woodlands, great spotted woodpeckers seen daily, redwings seen in flight, a muntjac deer can along side the drain opposite VP1 on Saturday (3rd), jays seen and heard calling, kingfisher from VP1 & within Waltons, American wigeon still over on Shapwick Heath I believe and this mute swan having a good old bath. From the look of it it almost looks joyful. See also it's changing plumage - moving out of its juvenile markings. Thanks to John Crispin for his photos:

That's it for this week. As I mentioned I'm away next week, so no blog. I will however do my best to squeeze on more in before the Christmas break. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.