There's a bit to catch up with as I was away last week but there's so much going on I'll focus mainly on the past 7 days or so. Yet another mixed bag of weather this week: rain, high winds and hail and then some glorious sunshine. Spring has most definitely arrived and there is evidence all around to prove it. Some more firsts this week: the first Willow Warbler reported during the week but one was heard singing around Waltons this morning. Also Blackcap was seen and heard - both join the many Chiffchaffs already present and singing away.
Other migrants also came through this week. Swallows in small numbers: 2 flew over the Tor View Hide on Tuesday, one over the north of the reserve on Wednesday and 4 were seen this morning from the Avalon Hide. One or two House Martins have also been seen and several Sand Martins with a groups of c50 reported on Monday & c30 on Tuesday. The first Swift has been recorded at Portland in Dorset too - very early.
Birdsong has increased in general (particularly during the sunny spells) with some birds in particular standing out with loud punchy calls - Song Thrush for one - calling loudly along the rail path yesterday. The Wren sings very loudly for one so small but it's great to hear:
and of course the Cettis Warbler. Often heard but not seen. This time of year can be very different however and they can often be seen perching up claiming their territories. Several birds have been seen around Waltons in particular this week. Dave Roach sent these shots into the reserve office last week - thanks Dave.
Other signs of spring include nesting and mating behavior. Nest boxes around the reserve are being inspected and used by birds, including the nest camera box at the car park. A great Tit has been bringing in moss over the last few days. Looking forward to seeing some healthy young birds on our monitor in the visitor building in the near future. Also a Blue Tit is using the nest box next to the wooden boardwalk at the car park. Thanks to John Crispin for the photo:
In Waltons Grey Herons continue to sit on nests (visible from the track and the Tor View Hide and a Coot is nesting by the cut island in Waltons - again visible from the main track (up to 5 Snipe have been using the island this week too). Great Crested Grebes have been seen mating in front of the 1st platform and Marsh Harriers have been seen mating from the Avalon Hide. Once again, John Crispin was on hand to capture some images - thanks John:
Bitterns are booming and the odd chase has been seen - so things are really hotting up here too. This morning from the Avalon Hide 3 birds were in a chase (probably males chasing a female) but only 2 landed;
Thanks again to John!!
There have been odd flights recorded elsewhere around the site including Waltons, Loxtons and the 1st platform (see photo):
Other birds of course are showing off their fine breeding plumage. Of particular note is the Great White Egret. Several birds are being seen across the reserve (at least 5 on Saturday) - the Avalon Hide came up trumps this morning for me with a good sighting. John Crispin's photo below shows this birds breeding colours. Note the slate grey bill, green lores and reddened legs:
Little Egrets look mighty fine too. This individual has been regularly visiting the cut island at Waltons:
and even the ducks get in on the action like this fine looking Shoveler after his mate!
Elsewhere is spring for other wildlife too and there has been a flurry of butterfly sightings this week: Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone and Green Veined White all recorded on Thursday alone.
There have been a couple of Otter sightings over the last couple of weeks too. One from the Tor View Hide last week and from the Avalon Hide on Tuesday. Be aware however that there are mink around too - you may need to double check your sightings before shouting Otter!!
Roe Deer are also present on and around the reserve - there have been several sightings throughout the week and a Badger was seen around the Waltons screens late one evening. If you venture down the far end of the rail path you won't fail to notice the extra soil excavations next to the rail path. Looks like they've had an extension put on the sett!
The star of last week was the Brown Hare seen in the fields next to the car park. It has been seen around the car park trail in the past. Great Shots again from John Crispin!
Other stars came this morning (apart from the bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Great White Egrets). 6 Cranes flew high over the reserve heading north and appeared to land beyond the water tower according to those in the Avalon Hide. A Bittern landed in the reeds to the side of the last bit of path to the Avalon hide and around the same time Bearded Tits were heard pinging but weren't seen. 2 were seen in front of the hide on Saturday.
The Ring necked Duck is still around - seen today from the Tor View Hide (on the east side) and the Glossy Ibis was seen on Bank Holiday Monday flying in front of the 1st platform.
Also this week: Raven calling in flight on Tuesday, 22 Black Tailed Godwits on Saturday, 30 on Monday and 8 on Tuesday (these flew out of the area in front of the 2nd platform). A Sandwich Tern was reported on Monday too and a Kestrel was seen hovering north of the Avalon Hide on Wednesday.Other waders are about: the 5 Snipe in Waltons (previously mentioned) and some heard at other locations, occasional Lapwing flying over but also displaying to the far north of the reserve, a Woodcock was also seen last week close to Loxtons.
Other birds include: lovely looking Reed Buntings close to the Avalon Hide, Stonechats seen within reedbeds close to the same hide, Skylarks singing at Tinneys ground (on the Sharpham Road), Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen and drumming heard, Red Kite seen over the car park on Good Friday and along the rail path: Bullfinch, Treecreepers, Goldcrests and a host of other species.
Apart from all that, it's been pretty quiet!
That's it for this week - have a great weekend!