The weather's taken a much colder turn this week and we've had a couple of morning frosts. This usually puts pay to the last of our dragonflies. Don't remember seeing one this week but it is possible. This time last year I was still seeing the odd Ruddy Darter that was clinging on.
During sunny spells one or two butterflies are still being seen. On Tuesday 2 Speckled Wood and around 10 Red Admirals were seen feeding on Ivy - a good late nectar source. The rail path is probably your best bet here.
The colder weather, as always, brings about an increase in the Starling numbers. It's estimated that around 50,000 birds are roosting currently at Ham Wall. The last known location was within the Loxtons reedbeds and the eastern part of Waltons. They have been roosting close to the rail path so stay on here to get the vest views. Also look out for Marsh Harriers if you're in to watch them take off - currently around 7am . The Marsh Harriers often turn up to scour the reedbed for any dead Starlings that passed away in the night - a nice easy breakfast.
There's also been an increase in Fieldfare and Redwing numbers this week (so I'm told). I'm still not seeing them myself - just unlucky I guess. Once again I heard a Fieldfare at the car park on Tuesday but failed to see it. John Crispin has managed to see some however and kindly sent me a great photo of each - thanks John!
Fieldfare: John Crispin
Redwing: John Crispin
Also look out for groups of Redpoll & Siskin. They usually start to gather at this time of year and are often seen in the tops of alder trees feeding on seeds (the large ones at Loxtons were often a favourite haunt. Numbers on the reserve have been lower over the last couple of years but they're still lovely to see.
From the 1st & 2nd platforms good numbers of wildfowl are gathered. They are often sent into a frenzy if a Marsh Harrier disturbs them and gives you a much better idea of the numbers out there. Good numbers of Shoveler to be seen along with the usual Mallard & Gadwall and of course the winter visitors of Wigeon and Teal. Look out for Tufted Duck too & there's always a chance of a Pintail or a Shelduck.
The area in front of the 2nd platform has also been awash with geese this week. Well over 100 noisy Canada Geese were there on Tuesday but also present were around 30 Greylags.
Great White Egrets are still using the 1st platform area on a regular basis often posing for long periods. Little Egrets and Grey Heron often here too for a good size comparison. The Avalon Hide has also been a good place for seeing the Great Whites. John Crabb took these shots on Wednesday and sent them in. The first one has caught a pike - this was gone in a flash. Thanks John!
Great White Egret with pike: John Crabb
Great White Egret in Flight: John Crabb
There was strong north westerly wind that this bird was flying into at the time of the shot. It held the bird up almost motionless, giving a a good photo opportunity.
Grey Herons are plentiful and easy to see but none easier than the bird who continues to use the edge of the main drain through the reserve. As with the last couple of weeks, it is allowing people to get quite close - another good photo opp.
For Kingfishers - another photographers favourite, your best bet is probably Waltons. Several sightings in this section of the reserve this week. I also saw one myself up near the Avalon Hide on Monday. Also in this area this week by the wood was a Kestrel with its signature hover on Monday & Tuesday and today nearer the main footpath. The footpath was also home to a Bullfinch earlier in the week up the end nearest the road. I could hear it calling but didn't catch sight of it. Gangs of Long Tailed Tits are following the tree lines too. It's always worth scanning these flocks - not only for other tits but for other small birds such as Chiffchaff and Goldcrest. There are also large groups of Goldfinches using the car park feeders.
Kestrels (& Marsh Harriers) aren't the only birds of prey on the reserve. Buzzards are seen regularly - including one over the car park this morning and a male Sparrowhawk seen from the 1st platform yesterday. Tawny Owls have been heard calling again this week and Barn Owls are most likely still present in the owl boxes - they pick off Starlings during the night (we know this as we find the remains in the boxes).
Also from the car park this morning, an interesting shot from Visitor Manager Abbie Thorne of what looks like 2 suns over Ham Wall. Obviously a trick of the light and clouds but a nice shot:
There are many birds people just overlook - it's normally those you see every day such as Wood Pigeon or Carrion Crow. Like most years there has been a large movement of Wood Pigeon in the last couple of weeks with huge flocks reported - these can be quite mind blowing when you see the really big ones. Large groups have been seen at Ham Wall but also remember to look out for Stock Doves too. At our Tinneys plot this week (on the Sharpham Road) John Crispin encountered quite a large number as this photo shows (note the lack of white stripes for an easier ID):
As for Carrion Crow, they are quite the survivors and very intelligent too. They have quite a varied diet as this photo taken in Waltons this week by John Crispin shows - thanks John!:
Crow with corn cob: John Crispin.
Also this week: Great Spotted Woodpeckers close to the Avalon Hide & in woodland along the footpath, Bearded Tits heard near the Avalon hide and from the 1st platform, Roe Deer seen along the footpath but soon ran off when disturbed, Raven seen in flight over the reserve, small flocks of Lapwing from the 2nd platform and some very vocal Cettis Warblers & Water Rails. One Water Rail walked right next to me when in my reed cutting machine this week - not much use to you though - the best bet of a sighting for visitors is most likely from the Tor View Hide - try the same location or the 1st platform for Bitterns too.
That's it for this week. I'll be about on Sunday this week on the reserve so come and say hello if you see me!
Have a great weekend!