Isn't the Avalon Marshes an amazing place? There have been some huge successes over the past few years and it seems that there is so much more potential for this area too. There have been some interesting sightings this week too across the Marshes too (although this is nothing new these days!). From our neighbours at Shapwick Heath a Wryneck was reported along the main track on Wednesday - don't think it was tracked down again however. The Osprey was also present earlier in the week but may now have left too.
The scrape on Meare Heath is pumped down however and attracting a fair selection of waders, including the Pectoral Sandpiper of last week. It is possible that there are two as they were seen both on Shapwick and Ham Wall but of course it could be the one bird travelling between the 2 sites without being seen.
On Ham Wall it's been spotted in the area in front of the 2nd platform or just a bit to the west before the junction that leads to the Avalon Hide. On Saturday (6th) afternoon it was seen with 2 Dunlin, a Ruff, c20 Black Tailed Godwits and 6 Snipe. We've been letting some water out of here so a few muddy margins are starting to appear. Some of the vegetation in front that's obscuring some views will be cut but will most likely be in November/December as we need a specialist piece of machinery to do this for us.
These aren't the only waders sen here this week. You can add to this Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper and up to c150 Lapwing. The Lapwing were seen on Wednesday by John Crispin along with 7 Black Tailed Godwits, 5 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Great White Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers and 6 Shoveler.
The numbers of Great White Egrets is amazing and they are now just an everyday part of life on the reserve. You're pretty hard pressed not to see one on a visit these days. John Crispin managed to get this great sequence of one fishing this week. Often they just walk around slowly or stand still biding their time. Looks like this one went for a different approach and really went for it on this occasion. Thanks John!
The 2nd platform area is probably the best place to see them at the moment or at the 1st platform - unless we are working out there. We are gradually clearing the ends of the islands here and opening them up. Another couple of weeks with the volunteers and we'll be done. We'll also cut the tops of the vegetation down on the opposite bank as we are aware that it is obscuring views slightly. The Glossy Ibis is spending a fair amount of time out here too. Always worth scanning the open areas for it. If it's not here )it has been most days), try the 2nd platform area.
No firm reports of Cattle Egret this week but it doesn't mean there are none in the area - always have a good look at any white egret - don't always assume it's a Little Egret. Bitterns are an ever present too - John Crispin had 3 sightings from 3 different birds in a short space of time in the eastern half of Waltons on Tuesday. Got this shot of one flying away in the rain. Other sightings this week include from both platforms and the Avalon Hide - so lots of opportunities.Thanks again John:
At the same time there were c30 House Martins hawking about for insects and a single Swift amongst them too. These of course along with Swallows are starting to head south. Along with them will be Hobby - one seen from the Tor View Hide on Sunday and of course Reed and Sedge Warbers which are still being spotted. Enjoy them while you can - for this year at least. We will of course be joined by some winter visitors such as Wigeon and Teal (some have already been reported locally I believe).
Lots of birds are on the move at the moment so you're never quite sure what might turn up. A Wheatear was spotted by one of our volunteers on Sunday within the area in front of the 1st platform, while both a Firecrest and a Spotted Flycatcher were seen within a mixed flock of birds on Saturday. Shows it's always worth scanning these large groups of birds for any rarities. There have been some very large groups of Long Tailed Tits (with a few others mixed in) on the reserve this week - there were c100 around the Waltons screens on Monday - they made a hell of a noise - but wonderful to see. They do brighten my day when I see them. Also seen groups around the wood near the Avalon Hide this week - including this morning.
Starling numbers will start to build soon. It's believed that there are around 1500-2000 birds currently roosting on Ham Wall each night. Just a drop in the ocean to what we can expect later but it's a nice start.
In terms of butterflies this week - I can't say I've seen many but did see a nice Comma by the Loxtons screen on Monday - also picked up good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell along with Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Green Veined White.
With Dragonflies you can still expect to see: Migrant Hawker, Southern Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Hawker, Common Darter and Ruddy Darter. Also seen Blue Tailed Damselfly, Red Eyed Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly on my travels.
2 Ravens flying over the 1st platform before one flew back over 'cronking' pretty consistently, a few Jays seen across the reserve - time to start caching acorns soon, Great Spotted Woodpecker seen in several locations, Green Woodpecker heard, Tawny Owl also heard and just a little activity from the Barn Owls near the Avalon Hide - the wet weather will not be helping them, Bearded Tits seen withing the eastern side of Waltons and in front of both the Avalon Hide and the 2nd platform. Good numbers across the reserve (many in non public areas unfortunately - but looks like they have had a bumper year), Marsh Harriers seen daily over Waltons and in front of both platforms....
..and plenty of Kingfisher sightings throughout the week from both platforms, the Avalon Hide, the Loxtons screen and along the main drain. I had one fly up from the old rail bridge and then shot through the wood where the wooden boardwalk goes through to the car park on Monday.
John Crispin has come up trumps again with these great shots. What a beautiful bird -thanks John for sending them in:
Just before I go I need to let you know that there will be a power outage at the car park and surrounding area on Monday. Western Power have stated that this will occur between 9am and 6pm. Unfortunately this means that the visitor building will not be open but neither will the toilets during this time. There are toilets at the Avalon Marshes Centre in Westhay where you can also pick up information about the local reserves including Ham Wall. All back to normal on Tuesday.
That's it for this week. Hope you have a great weekend. Why not visit the reserve - as you can see we have lots to offer.