As always there have been plenty of wonderful sightings at Ham Wall to report and lots of happy visitors leaving having seen their first ever bittern or great white egret or delighting in the fact that they have heard a cuckoo.
In fact it's been quite a good week for cuckoo sightings although I have no photos this week to show for it. The car park seems to be a good place to start - more often heard rather than seen here although a female flew over on Wednesday. On Monday one could be seen to the right of the rail bridge over by the old factory perched up in the dead trees, while a walk around the Waltons trail can often bring rewards - particularly around the back section. Further down in Loxtons both a male and female were seen together on Tuesday while further down the main track still (not quite to the end) on the right 4 different birds were seen at various perches. Some stayed there for some time - perhaps still watching reed warblers for a late nesting chance - things do seem a little late this year.
In the same section at least 3 little egrets and a great white egret were perched up in good view too. In fact I've been seeing one bird in particular (I'm assuming it's the same bird) perching up in all kinds of places. Twice on gate posts and this morning on small scrubby trees twice within the reed beds close to paths. It was even on the path itself on the way to the Avalon Hide this morning just before you enter the wood. In general these birds are often easy to see and it's hard to miss one on a visit these days. Either platform can eb good or even just sit in the car park and wait for them to fly over - they do this regularly. Thanks to Graham Muttram for his great white egret shot taken last Friday during his visit.
We've been monitoring the nesting of these birds again this year and specially trained and licensed volunteers have been using a drone to give us a birds eye view of nests and give us accurate information. This does not seem to bother the birds in the slightest and actually causes less disturbance as volunteers can stay well away.
We get back film and stills like this to help us decide whats going on:
This can also help us decide whether it is safe to get to the area to undertake any ringing and not disturb any other nests. The ringed bird mentioned in last weeks blog has been snapped again swapping over with its partner at the nest site. We'll keep you posted on what happens here with this 2 year old bird. Thanks to Andrew Kirby for his shot:
There have been lots of young birds reported around the reserve this week - These include gadwall and mallard and great crested grebe at Waltons, pochard, coot and moorhen at Loxtons and cettis warblers being fed by and adult near the screens at Waltons. Large groups of long tailed tits are being seen (they've fledged from the nest near the Tor View Hide path) suggesting that there are many family groups around and mute swans with cygnets are seen at Waltons daily. Thanks to Graham Wagner for his photo:
Close by in the Waltons reedbeds the young grey herons are still present too - thanks again to Graham Wagner for his shot:
There are plenty of active parents too still busy feeding youngsters. Perhaps some of the most obvious would be the marsh harriers. The best place to see these is probably the Avalon Hide. Lots of activity here this week with several food passes being witnessed. Bittern flights are being recorded here too although they are coming into conflict with the harriers from time to time and then lay low for a while. They both have active nests here so there's a good chance of both.
Meanwhile in the wood on the way to the Avalon Hide the young tawny owls are still occasionally being seen as Graham Wagner's shot proves - thanks again to Graham:
Also in the wood there's a chance of great spotted woodpeckers (and young) song thrush (heard singing loudly this morning), Barn Owls here or from the hide (seen on Monday), blackcap, willow warbler and on the last reedy stretch before the hide both sedge warbler and reed warbler singing either side of the path - can you tell the difference? It can be quite tricky.
Hobby are seen occasionally still - often from the Avalon Hide area but also seen from the 2nd platform (VP2) and Waltons including 3 from the Tor View Hide on Sunday (3rd Jun). Lots of their favourite food stuff - the dragonfly around the site. 4 spotted chasers are numerous and seem to be everywhere but particularly around the Waltons trail. Thousands can be seen as you stroll round. Thanks to Will Snelling for sending in his shots taken recently:
Amazing sight I'm sure you'll agree.
Other dragonflies seen this week include: scarce chaser, black tailed skimmer, emperor, hairy dragonfly & broad bodied chaser while for damselflies look for: azure, large red, red eyed, variable, common blue and banded demoiselle.
In terms of butterflies I'm not seeing many but have recorded: red admiral, brimstone, green veined white, speckled wood and a visitor mentioned seeing a painted lady.
The main track on sunny days or the footpath on the other side of the drain are good places to look for insects of all kinds. I often see visitors out insect hunting - great to see different interest groups using the reserve to its fullest.
The main track is great for warblers and other small birds too. Look and listen out for: willow warbler, blackcap, garden warbler, chiffchaff, bullfinch, treecreeper and goldcrest amongst others, including tits and finches. Thanks to Graham Muttram for his great tit shot:
From the 1st platform (VP1) look out for an increasing number of bittern flights here 4 seen together on Monday and yesterday a few birds perched out in the open. Also look out for passing waders. Lapwing are often seen chasing off crows and all comers distant from VP1 but redshank and black tailed godwits have also been seen. Godwits were also seen from the Avalon Hide this week. Thanks again to Graham Wagner for his photo:
If all this isn't enough for you 4 cranes passed over the reserve on Sunday and we seem to be getting an increase in red kite sightings too. Several were seen last week and one flew over yesterday. On Wednesday 2 were seen flying over the reserve and here's the proof provided by Graham Wagner - thanks Graham.
Also this week: Several swift seen - particularly earlier in the week......
Swift: Graham Wagner
......but also spotted flycatchers seen near the Avalon Hide and also along the main path, kingfishers seen at Waltons and from the old rail bridge, roe deer seen using the grassy paths around the reserve, reed buntings heard calling at several locations, a whitethroat in the car park on Wednesday and from VP1 throughout the week, a single cattle egret at VP1 on Sunday, buzzards daily and several jays seen including this one sent in by Graham Muttram snapped last Friday. Thanks Graham:
Just a couple more shots to leave you with now including this grass snake - one of several seen from the old rail bridge on Wednesday - worth a quick look if you're passing. You can often see fish here in the water too such as rudd. Thanks to Graham Wagner for his grass snake photo:
and finally this one sent in by Will Snelling whilst walking the main path - thanks Will:
and finally, finally I've been asked to pass on information about our canoe event we run each year. Tickets are now available but are selling fast so if you want to come on don't leave it too long:
Nature by Canoe at Ham Wall
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September
One hour group tours between 10 am and 3 pm
Have you ever thought what Ham Wall would look like if you were an otter? Now here’s your chance to find out – Join a qualified instructor and an expert wildlife guide on this unique opportunity to experience this amazing nature reserve by canoe! No previous experience is needed but a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required.
Children (6-17) must be accompanied by an adult . This event is suitable for ages 6+.
Booking Essential
RSPB members £13; Non RSPB members £15
RSPB child members £8; Non RSPB child £10
All bookings, event information and times are available online through Eventbrite:
https://rspbcanoehamwall.eventbrite.co.uk
(Please note: booking charges apply)
That's it for this week another fun packed show as always at Ham Wall. Have a great weekend!