Lots of fantastic comments coming back from visitors at the moment. Something to be really proud of. People are astounded at the variety of wildlife on offer and of course the number of more unusual species you can count on a brief visit.
Cattle Egrets are being seen regularly across the Avalon Marshes at the moment. The peak number seen has been 17 last week but 11 seems to be a regular figure banded about. They were seen flying over the 1st platform on Weds morning just before 7am. Robin Morrison sent me this shot of 2 of the birds. Thanks Robin.
They have also been seen in small numbers in the area in front of the 2nd platform this week - anywhere between 1 and 4. On Sunday there were 2 with a Glossy Ibis and a Garganey all in a row - I mean wow!
Glossy Ibis is still present but we are left scratching our heads as to what's going on. It seems that people are just seeing the one now. What this means we don't know - one may have just left us but of course we are all secretly hoping that the other is sat on a nest somewhere but we really have no idea. The single bird has appeared on the scrape at Shapwick this week but also spends a lot of time in front of the 2nd platform on most days. It was there this morning before flying slightly west and landed in front of the willow blinds on the path. John Crispin set up and got these fantastic shots - just look at those colours. Thanks John!
Great White Egrets continue to do well. Flights from birds all over the place - the car park is as good as anywhere but also try either of the viewing platforms for good views.
If you're getting fed up with all these exotic species why not try and find a good old regular Bittern. I would say it was easy but any day at the moment gives you a great chance. The 1st platform offers some regular flights with a pair chasing for some time before passing the rail track to Waltons then Loxtons and beyond a good 15 minutes. We can top that though. 5 were sen together this morning - would have been visible from the Avalon Hide or distant from the 2nd platform. John got 4 in his shot - thanks John!
..and another 2.
Other multiple flights this week included 3 from the Avalon Hide - which displeased the nesting Marsh Harriers in the area. They are seen here daily with lots of food passes and other great action.
Thanks to Robin Morrison for another stunning Bittern photo:
Lots of migrants are still pouring in. More Swallows seen this week but it's the numbers of Swift and Hobby which have been of particular note. Again thanks to Robin Morisson for a group shot of Swifts then a fantastic individual one:
In terms of Hobby - some big numbers being spoken about. On Sunday 49 counted together over the car park around lunchtime with another 21 on Monday. Lots of reports of double figures from the Avalon Hide as well - they timed it well - a big emergence of 4 spotted chaser dragonflies this week. The best spot for this is usually around the back of Waltons (big numbers at peak) and at Loxtons but they can be seen everywhere.
Another star this week has been the Barn Owls. There has been a lot of activity in front (and to each side) of the Avalon Hide. On Wednesday 2 birds to the right of the hide were seen carrying in food items during the whole morning. Yesterday birds were seen on both sides of the hide and have been seen distantly from both platforms too - they must have youngsters so this daytime feeding isn't necessarily unusual - although it is fantastic.
The other owl box which is more visible from the hide has Tawny Owls present and a youngster has also been sighted and photographed by Andrew Kirby - thanks for the photos Andrew:
The fun from this hide doesn't stop there. It's also been a good place to see Bearded Tit this week. The last 2 days heard reports of 4-5 birds flying and calling in front. Also reports from other sections in public areas close to rail path and footpath. Good numbers across the reserve and juveniles seen is suggesting a good year.
Great Crested Grebes have finally hatch at least 2 of the 3 eggs on the nest in front of the hide too. By the time I write this perhaps a third has appeared. Grebes at different stages can also be seen from the 1st platform, Tor View Hide and Loxtons. Thanks to Robin again for some lovely shots:
So what else have we got to offer? Well the area in front of the 2nd platform is always worth a look - lots of Little Egret using it frequently (up to at least 12), Garganey on a daily basis (3 males, 1 female on Tuesday) - with males also seen from Tor View Hide and at Loxtons screen, an Oystercatcher calling in flight here on Monday but also displaying Lapwing (at least 6) and Little Ringed Plover reported. Up to 5 Whimbrel have been seen on several days and this morning these 3 Black Tailed Godwits were present - thanks to John Crispin for capturing the action:
With so much going on it's hard to keep up. Everywhere you look there is something to see. That of course includes the great numbers of Butterflies were are still seeing: Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Green Veined White, Speckled Wood, Peacock & Red Admiral amongst the records.
Lots of dragons and damsels too - Hairy Dragonfly (and the already mentioned 4 spotted chaser along with Broad Bodied Chaser all seen. For damselflies: Large Red, Azure, Variable, Blue Tailed amongst the records.
Other non avian news would be the incredible numbers of Rudd and other fish sen in the main drains. Lots visible from the old rail bridge on the main track. Worth a quick look over the edge as you pass. Lots of fish eaten at this time of year of course - including this one by a Carrion Crow sent in by Robin Morrison:
......and lets not forget the Iberian water Frogs chorusing loudly - particularly when the sun shines. try the car park pools, Waltons and Loxtons - just follow you ears to that most unusual sound. thanks again to Robin Morrison for this photo - just so you know what to look for:
Also this week: Red Kite over the car park yesterday afternoon. Circled round for some time giving great views before drifting towards Shapwick Heath, rumours of a Goshawk passing high over the reserve early in the week, a bat over the rail path on Wednesday afternoon - possibly the Pipistrelle posted by Chris Griffin on twitter the same day, Linnets seen picking food off of floating vegetation near the Avalon Hide, lots of Warblers singing along then rail path - also seen or heard include Bullfinch, Treecreeper and Goldcrest and some very loud Song Thrushes. Cuckoos sen and heard daily too to add to the noise of squealing Water Rails, Whinnying Little Grebes and very Chattery Reed & Sedge Warblers. It's hard to hear yourself think out there!
Here's a few more photos to finish - thank you so much to John Crispin, Robin Morrison and Andrew Kirby for their fantastic contributions:
Mallard Brood - Robin Morrison
Marsh Harrier: Robin Morrison
Greylags: John Crispin
That's it for this week. have a great weekend!