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!