We've had it all this week in terms of weather. High winds, rain, snow, hail and lovely calm sunny periods. The wildlife is amazingly adaptable however and as always there's plenty to talk about.
The Glossy Ibis is still being seen quite regularly - as last week it been seen several times on the cut island opposite the 3rd screen at the Waltons section. Both John Crispin and John Crabb managed to grab these shots on Sunday. Thank you to you both for sending them to me:
Photo: John Crispin
Photo: John Crabb
It seems the early morning may be the best time to catch it here before it finds another feeding site. It was also reported from the second viewing platform during the week. It's been seen there before too, so these look like the most likely places to try.
The other surprise of the week was the re- emergence of the Dusky Warbler, picked up on Wednesday along the canal path - again in scrub close to the junction with the Avalon Hide. It was looked for again on Thursday but not relocated.
When the suns shines there is a feeling that spring is close by. The snowdrops have flowered by the car park boardwalk, as they do every year and Bitterns can be heard booming (although some a little half hearted) at several locations around the reserve. Loxtons is probably your best bet. On Thursday one was heard booming to the left of Loxtons screen but there is also one in the section by the rail path. You can often hear him if you stand at the small sleeper bridge which leads to the Loxtons trail. On Thursday a second bird flew in from the south into this section. I was lucky today too as one flew past the 1st platform before dropping into the reeds on the right. It perched briefly and then slowly disappeared within the reeds.
Perhaps my biggest surprise of the week was the sight of a bat flying around in bright sunshine over the old station house close to the car park. I can only guess that it was disturbed from its hibernation site (nice to see though).
Back in Waltons there is plenty to see (even if the Glossy Ibis isn't showing for you). Great Crested Grebes are there in all their finery. A few singles but one definite pair who have been reinforcing those pair bonds with a bit of head bobbing to each other. Also within the water a selection of duck and also Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Cormorant and Little Grebe along with plenty of squabbling Coots.
On the cut island you will often see Lapwings, although sometimes they are in the splashy section close to the Avalon Hide (visible from the 1st platform when in flight 150 -200) and 4 Snipe were recorded here on Sunday also. The Avalon HIde is the place to go for the best views of Marsh Harrier. They tend to spend a lot of their time over this northern part of the reserve with 4 different birds recorded frequently. Great White Egrets often drop into this area too, landing in the cut areas giving great views from the hide. The occasional Little Egret drops in too for a good size comparison. A pair on Stonechats were perched up in front on Tuesday too.
Kingfishers are also seen here but it seems that Loxtons is the place to see them had the moment. 3 were seen from the screen on Wednesday with 2 chasing each other and one static. Another was seen flying left to right in front of the screen on Thursday. I also saw on this week - this time in Waltons. It perched on trees by the screens and could easily be seen by the disabled parking area.
Starlings are still around of course. They have been using the Waltons section recently and they were landing very close to the rail path on the 1st island to the left. However, as of last night they have moved to a section in front of (a little distant) the 2nd platform. There may also be some birds going to Shapwick too but I'm not 100% sure. They could of course move again but this is the best guide I can give you at the moment.
On the canal path close to the furthest bridge there seemed to be a lot of Starling remains on Tuesday, so they've obviously been using a section close by recently.
I'm not sure what the Grey Herons made of it all recently. They nested in the Waltons section in low numbers for several years now and this year looks to be no exception. I've been seeing and hearing several birds within this section lately and on Sunday birds were seen mating and carrying nesting material. If you go to the Tor View Hide and look to the left you will often see Herons just sitting in the reedbed. Once again John Crispin & John Crabb were on hand to get some action shots. Thank you both!
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Watch this space!!
Also this week: Lots of activity from Great Spotted Woodpeckers heard drumming at Rail path trees by Loxtons, the first wood strip on the canal path and at our offices in the Avalon Marshes Centre. Also had another 2 birds chasing each other and calling loudly - perhaps showing aggression (while the woodland strip bird continued to drum) - Jays in the same strip calling. Also this morning: Peregrine at 7.30am flying north from 2nd platform, Roe Deer by Loxtons which jumped the fence into Street Heath a good selection of duck from 2nd platform inc Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard (there are also a lot of Teal on site) and 30+ Fieldfare at Tinneys ground on the Sharpham Road.
Wednesday saw a Bullfinch at Loxtons, while on Tuesday Bearded Tits were again seen in the same place as the last couple of weeks - just beyond the section the the second viewing platform faces, a Raven also flew over the reserve Cronking. Thursday saw a Kestrel in a tree towards the far end of the rail path and a small group of Siskins perched in alders also along the rail path.
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!