Torrential rain last week and sub zero temperatures this week means the reserves wildlife has taken a bit of a battering but I'm amazed at how resilient it is. Another cold one this morning adding to their troubles. Quite a thick layer of ice in places has formed as temperatures have probably failed to rise above zero for 3 days.
Quite a range of wildfowl has gathered in front of the first platform however where they have managed to keep the ice from freezing. Good numbers of Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal out there this morning along with a single male Pintail (6 were recorded flying over Waltons on Monday too).
Pintail: John Crispin
Frosty at the 1st platform this morning: John Crispin
The colder weather can often mean that some wildlife becomes less active as it strives to conserve energy. It also can drive things out into the open as it searches for food. Some examples this week include: an Otter seen from the first platform on Wednesday as it pulled itself out of the main drain and scurried off, a Cettis Warbler this morning in full view from the 1st of the Waltons screens. It perched out on the edge of the reed and then flew directly towards the screen and landed in front and then a Water Rail seen out feeding on the cut edge from the Tor View Hide.
It's also quite possible for Bitterns to come out in the open too during this weather and there is often a marked increase in activity during sunnier spells (yes we have had some this week). This week several flights have been observed from the first platform once the sun was out. The first photo taken this week shows a Bittern making a pretty ungraceful landing in the reeds while the second is from a previous year showing a bittern stood out on the ice (both by John Crispin - thanks John)
Great White Egrets have been using the area in front of the 1st platform too but have also been seen on the edges of the main drain. The fact that this is sometimes pumped means it flows and ice doesn't always form. It's given Great White Egrets the opportunity to feed along its length. I saw 2 or 3 doing this today and they have been seen earlier in the week too. Herons too, including the usual one, being less bothered by people are also at it. This one was captured fishing with the following John Crispin photo sequence - thanks John!
Great action shots!
A couple of Swans are managing to keep one of the car park pools open from ice with some constant movement. They could be seen there on Thursday, although only just. The mist was pretty thick and never really lifted all day. Would have been a pretty poor Starling watching despite the ever growing numbers. The cold weather has probably helped to swell the roost over the past week or so. Estimates now approach 500,000 birds in the roost. They have continued to use the Loxtons and eastern end of Waltons as their roost site but this will change at some point but who knows when? It's a spectacular sight though and a must for any wildlife enthusiast.
If you're planning a visit give the Starling Hotline a call and it will give you the last known location 07866 554142
Dawn Explosion of Starlings: John Crispin
During the roost time and during the morning take off (pictured above) look out for hunters. Marsh Harriers are always seen with up to 3 on occasions (one male, one female and one dark bird - most likely first year). A Marsh Harrier was also seen hunting over Waltons this morning but there's a good chance of a sighting most days. Peregrines have been seen on occasions at roost time as have Sparrowhawk. The remains of one victim were found in the Tor View Hide today, a few feathers, 2 wings and a perfectly decapitated head to be precise - not for the squeamish.
A Barn Owl continues to use the Avalon Hide too with the usual droppings and pellets being found as evidence (this includes Starling remains).
The Avalon Hide has also been one of the best places to see Glossy Ibis along with Waltons but only one record this week - they are obviously hiding out from the cold. Lets hope they don't decide to leave for warmer weather.
A good flurry of sightings this morning also included a lovely male Stonechat flitting about on the edge of the main drain opposite the first platform and a couple of flocks of Redpoll. A group of around 25 close to the new bridge past the 1st platform and then a mixed flock of birds that were near the screens at Waltons including several Redpolls and Long Tailed Tits. They were in the large birch there but also dropped down into the reed beds too. Not sure I've seen Redpolls on reeds before. A group of around 20 were seen on Monday on some Alders at Loxtons too.
Redpoll: John Crispin
Also this week: Both male Blackcap & Chiffchaff seen along the old rail path this week, 25 Snipe seen on the cut islands in Waltons (west side) on Monday, a Red Admiral seen on the wing also along the old rail path the same day, Firecrest reported from the small Ashcott Corner car park (almost opposite ours), 4 Buzzards up soaring from the 1st platform on Monday and one flying across the car park in the thick mist on Thursday, a Kestrel perched in a tree at Tinneys ground on the Sharpham Road, 2 male Reed Buntings feeding on the track by the 1st platform in full view and large numbers of Greylag roosting in the area in front of the 2nd platform and leaving each morning (see photo).
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!