Well, its great to be back in the world of technology - we have finally got our broadband and phones back in the office - a very frustrating 2 weeks. Of course it has meant no blog for 2 weeks either for which I can only apologize.
As always Ham Wall has delivered over the past few weeks, with many happy visitors leaving the reserve stunned at the variety on show. Lots of highlights to mention, so lets start with the Red Footed Falcon. It's been around now for nearly 2 weeks. I haven't yet been out today but it was reported yesterday. If you fancy giving it a go - you'll need a scope. It's been hanging around quite distant from the car park and'or rail bridge areas. Scan the dead line of trees near the factory on the right hand side (often perched here for long periods with a Hobby) or look distantly from the rail bridge towards the distant wind pump. I've not got any shots of it I'm afraid but it's been a nice addition to the reserve.
The hottest spot on the reserve at the moment continues to be the Avalon Hide - The Marsh Harriers are still showing well, frequently dropping food in to youngsters. Bittern are doing the same not far away. Needless to say there has been some conflict with young birds vulnerable to predation by the other species at the early stage. Marsh Harriers have attacked Bitterns and Bitterns have attacked Marsh Harriers - nightmare neighbours at the moment. As the youngsters grow the threat should reduce and everything calm down a little. Thanks to Simon Lewis & John Crispin for the photos:
Marsh Harrier - Simon Lewis
Bittern - Simon Lewis
John Crispin sent me some additional information relevant to the pictures showing its long legs and large metatarsals ending with big terminal claws. Also the alula (*** wing) at the end of the wing. The alula acts as an aerodynamic spoiler aiding & disrupting airflow over the wing - preventing stalling as airspeed increases coming into land. Thanks John - interesting stuff!
Another star of the Avalon Hide of late has been the Barn Owls. They have been seen hunting directly in front of the hide but also in areas behind (on the way up). This fantastic shot was taken by Simon Lewis by the gate leading from the footpath towards the hide. Springwatch have been given special permission by Simon to use it on their website - well done Simon>
Barn Owl : Simon Lewis
Also shots in flight by Simon again and an artistic shot by Sam Maynard from last Saturday evening - thanks to Simon and Sam:
Barn Owl: Simon Lewis
Sam Maynard
Sam was also lucky enough to see otter from the hide too at 9.15pm on Saturday evening and grab these shots - thanks Sam.
Otter: Sam Maynard
Cattle Egrets too are being seen regularly in this area. It sounds a bit obvious but scan the area where the cattle are currently grazing - many are following them around. In fact they have just moved again to areas to the left of the Avalon Hide?distantly in front of the 1st platform. There are double figures in the area and there have been a few reports of as many as 8 together at one time. They often perch on rails or gates (as well as the backs of cattle) - so bear this in mind too. Thanks to John Crispin for these great shots - including one clutching his prize of a toad!
Of course Little Egrets are about too, as well as the more common Grey Heron (still nesting in the Waltons reedbed although hard to see - thanks again to Simon Lewis for the photo:
Grey Heron: Simon Lewis
Also from the hide look out for now well grown Tawny Owl chicks in the box visible behind the hide in the wood. They've been out and about in the trees nearby. Also within the wood listen out for the calling of young Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Great White Egrets seem to be everywhere and are an easy spot on a trip to the reserve. They feed in several locations such as in front of both platforms or within Waltons but also frequently fly low over the car park offering great views.
This individual was snapped this week by John Crispin - a bird still in non breeding plumage. Not surprising as this was a ringed bird from last years nests. Ringed on 27th June 2016 - a red ring with white letters AAF - from DNA samples this is known to be a male - thanks again to John for the research and photo.
Another favourite of people is the Great Crested Grebe - there are many broods around the reserve now and one set of parents were displaying again with head bobbing (in between feeding their growing youngsters). Both Simon Lewis and John Crispin sent me pictures of Great Crested Grebe chicks feeding - thanks to both:
Great Crested Grebes: Simon Lewis
If you're on the hunt for Cuckoos a walk around the Waltons Trail could prove productive - there's often one around the back edge or in the tree line between Waltons and Loxtons. John Crispin took this shot at Loxtons this week. Thanks John:
Whilst on your walk round you'll no doubt see the hundreds if not thousands of 4 spotted chaser dragonflies which reside there. Hope the adverse weather this week hasn't knocked this back to much. Also look out for Emperors - many out on the wing now too as well as Black Tailed Skimmer and Scarce Chaser. Damselflies are everywhere too: Azure, Common Blue, Red Eyed and Variable all seen.
Quieter for butterflies but of note lately - Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Copper and Green Veined White. Also keep you eyes open for Painted Lady - some have been spotted.
Listen out also for the loud croaking of the Iberian Water Frogs - the south of the reserve - basically Waltons Loxtons and the car park are the real hotspots.
At the screens at Waltons there's always a good opportunity to sit and watch. If you're lucky you may catch sight of the Water Rail with its young - not quite as obvious as last year on the Tor View path but a few sightings being reported none the less. At the Tor View Hide itself yesterday some great sightings of Bearded Tits : male, female & juvenile. They were seen both sides of the hide but it was windy. Andrew Kirby manged to get these shots of the male and send them in, thanks Andrew!
There are plenty of ducks on sight - the more usual species of Mallard and Gadwall along with Tufted Duck (pictured with brood) but also several broods of Pochard around which is nice and sightings of Garganey - particularly from the 2nd platform or the temporary screens nearby on the footpath which look into the same area.
Also this week: as always plenty of song birds and warblers along the main path : Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat opposite 1st platform, Lesser Whitethroat reported much further down, Garden Warbler, Song Thrush to name a few as well as many more common and overlooked species such as this gorgeous Wren photographed by Simon Lewis - thanks Simon
Common Tern was seen hunting over the Waltons reedbeds on Wednesday, while on Monday a female Sparrowhawk flew over the car park carrying prey. Hobbys are still present - Loxtons probably the best place at the moment where 2 were seen displaying on Monday.
20+ Black Tailed Godwits were reported from the 2nd platform last weekend with reports of a few others during the week with as many as 5 Lapwing using the area which is significant. The Glossy Ibis has also been reported in this area on a few occasions this week but far less visible at the moment - you could also try the scarpe at Shapwick if the levels have not become too high.
Monday - despite the rain saw huge numbers of House Martins arriving - very last for them I'd say. Many Swift amongst them too - but I always enjoy watching them all swooping down hunting for flies - it's quite a sight.
I think I'll leave it there for now, before it gets too long. I should also let you know that the toilets will be closed on Monday between 1pm and 4pm due to a power outage which has been planned. It means the pump which helps refill toilets (due to low water pressure) will not operate. Before and after this time it should all be fine but we will lock them during the hours mentioned above - sorry for the inconvenience at our conveniences.
Have a great weekend everyone - happy hunting!