Another week packed full of wonderful sightings at Ham Wall. Obviously at this time of year the main draw on the reserve is the ever growing starling roost which continues to roost on the reserve each night. Well over 500,000 birds are roosting in the Waltons and Loxtons sections at the moment. Visitors have been amazed at this wonderful spectacle. Of course, they can move - there's a vast area for them to choose from in the Avalon Marshes. If you're planning a visit then give the Starling Hotline a call - a recorded message will tell you the last known location. We also try to have staff and/or volunteers in the Welcome building at the car park as often as possible - they will be well equipped to guide you.
The Starlings of course attract a host of predators looking for a meal. Sparrowhawk are common place of an evening and we have good evidence that Barn Owls are predating them too. One bird continues to roost or at least spend time in the Avalon Hide. Starling remains, pellets and owl poo is often their. We'll do our best to clean up after this messy individual. Also from the Avalon Hide this week a Tawny Owl was seen poking its head out of the box in the wood while this morning one was seen from the screen in the far corner of Waltons. A pellet was also present here and another was in the Tor View Hide - so they're getting around.
Often in the mornings Marsh Harriers can be seen quartering over the reed beds. Particularly over Waltons and Loxtons where the Starlings are roosting, looking for carrion or any unsuspecting prey. This morning both male and female birds were displaying this behavior over Waltons. On Wednesday - perhaps the same 2 birds were over Waltons and had "a difference of opinion" with the male being particularly vocal. John Crispin was on hand to take a couple of shots. One photo in particular shows the size difference between the sexes. Thanks John:
Waltons has been quite a hive of activity this week. Last Friday afternoon and the during the day on Sunday and Monday an Otter was seen. It hung around for some time on each occasion and was seen from the first 2 screen swimming across to the islands catching a fish and bringing it back towards the screens and eating it underneath. It did this a few times. on the Monday it was reported on the boardwalk section at the screens. There was also a sighting (by 3 different visitors) of an Otter in Loxtons too - quite a flurry of activity.
The cut islands in Waltons also play host to a few Snipe. 5 were spotted together on Wednesday but careful observation is needed here - it's amazing how they can just blend in to their surroundings. More commonly you'll see them in flight. Several groups seen this week - with a maximum of 14 together this week. There were certainly several small groups around this morning and I heard then at a few different locations.
Water Rails are being seen more frequently too. Often on the cut islands but also on the path up to the Tor View Hide at least twice this week. I tried to see for myself this morning but was out of luck - had to settle for a Goldcrest and a nice group of Long Tailed Tits. Also a group of around 40 Black Tailed Godwits flew over heading south.
Another Ham Wall star at the moment is the Glossy Ibis (2 of them to be precise). They have often used the Waltons section this week as well as the area in front of the 1st platform. In fact I saw one drop in there myself this morning. John Crispin took this great shot of one during the week. Thanks again to John:
Another 2 of Ham Wall's famous residents were also there this morning. Both Great White Egret and Bittern were seen in the Waltons section this morning (and throughout the week) but also from the 1st platform on a daily basis.
With all these fancy heron species being seen it's easy to overlook the humble Grey Heron. We had some good shots from John last week and he's followed it up with some more this week. Here's one eating a jumble of bones and feathers - ID's anyone?. Apparently, it was a bit of a struggle for a while but after many a dip in the water (to wash) it finally devoured the lot. Then gave a nice pose to the camera to finish; Wonderful stuff John!
Also this week: A Hen Harrier (ringtail) reported from the Avalon Hide on Wednesday, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the wood close to the Avalon Hide, a Red Admiral on the wing on Wednesday on the canal path side on the main drain, a group of c30 Redpolls seen along the main path on Tuesday and a small group this morning, a large group c100 Goldfinches close to the 1st platform this morning, Bearded Tits heard but not sen in front of the Avalon Hide on Tuesday, Water Pipit seen on a couple of occasions on the cut Waltons islands this week, a Bullfinch along the main track on Monday, a Mistle Thrush in the wood opposite the old rail bridge and a Treecreeper on trees between Waltons and Loxtons.
That's it for this week. Have a good weekend!