It's certainly a busy time of year for the reserves wildlife. The reserve is a hive of activity and alive with bird song. A simple walk along the rail path can take a while with a host of species to look out for. There are plenty of Blackcaps and a few Garden Warblers to get you started. Add to this Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Bullfinches, Goldcrest, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin and all the tits & finches and you're already getting a nice list going. In fact many visitors are regularly reporting a total of over 60 bird species in a visit.
As you reach the first platform you can usually add a Whitethroat and a quick look across the reeds often brings a sighting of Great White Egret - often seen fishing in this area (they're hard to miss at some point on your visit). It's fascinating to watch their fishing techniques and John Crispin sent me these photos of a Great White Egret in full fishing mode - thanks John!
The first platform was a good place to spot Bitterns yesterday too with several flights recorded. During the last week or so 2 or more birds have been seen together from here on several occasions (either in front or behind within Waltons). On Wednesday John Crispin managed to take these shots of 2 birds together in the reed beds at Waltons - there was no apparent animosity between the birds and one eventually flew off:
Yesterday 2 were seen flying together - again over the Waltons area:
Meanwhile, below them in the reedbeds the Grey Heron chick from the most visible nest is at around 43 days old. It's been seen stretching and exercising its wings to build up its flight muscles. On average it takes around 50 days for fledging - so not long to go for this little chap:
Hobbys are another big draw for visitors at this time of year. Still can't get near the 40-50 together we had last year but 15 is a good attempt I suppose. They're another easy score for most visitors during May. Of course they are feeding of their favourite dish of dragonflies of which there are now many more on the wing. Most notable are the Hairy Hawkers which are finally out in good numbers after a late start. Almost immediately behind them come Broad Bodied Chaser (1 seen) and 4 Spotted Chaser - our most common dragonfly on the reserve (on a good year you'll get 10's of thousands - the back of Waltons often a hot spot). The car park pools offer plenty of activity with plenty of dragonflies and damselflies seen here this week.
I was lucky enough to be able to snap this shot with my phone camera yesterday of a 4 spotted chaser emerging at the car park:
...and here's what it will eventually look like:
Several damselfly species are present too including: Blue Tailed, Large Red, Azure, Variable and Red Eyed (seen from the Waltons viewing screens and pictured below):
There are plenty of butterflies on the wing too including: Green Veined White, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral.
In terms of mammals we've seen Roe Deer on several occasions, Hare in the fields next to the car park, bank voles and a fox prowling around the north of the reserve yesterday morning.
The 2nd platform is still attracting its fair share of waders. This morning saw Ruff in summer plumage, Glossy Ibis, Greenshank, Lapwing (displaying) and Black Tailed Godwits. Without a scope it's hard to get full coverage. Also it may be worth crossing over to the footpath on the other side and finding the 2 small blinds which face the same area. They give a slightly different perspective and could turn up trumps )the Glossy Ibis has hidden around here before now. Also look out for a very late Wigeon (still there this morning) and drake Garganey and multiples of Great White Egret (4 together this week).
Peak counts of Waders here this week: Ruffx5, Lapwing x6, Wood Sandpiper x1, Spotted Redshank x1, Redshank x2, Greenshank x5, Snipe x2, Black Tailed Godwits x25. There may be more - you just need to be patient and have a good look!
Also this week: Osprey reported yesterday at beyond the back of Waltons, Red Kite flying north over the Avalon Hide yesterday, Spotted Flycatcher reported between the 2 viewing platforms, Iberian Water |Frogs croaking loudly (Common Frog and Common Toad also seen this week), Mallards with 10 ducklings and Great Crested Grebes with 4 young in Waltons (and numerous Coot broods), 2 Common Terns over Waltons yesterday morning, a very showy Cettis Warbler by the Waltons screens this morning (try the junction with the Tor View Path for a good photo op), Raven chased off by crows of Wednesday, Sparrowhawk low in front of 2nd platform on Monday and Kestrel over the car park the same day. Marsh Harriers from the Avalon Hide and 3 Cuckoos calling from 1st platform on Monday and 4 seen chasing from the 2nd the same day after female heard calling.
Phew! Think I need a rest after all that and I didn't even mention the amazing screaming Swifts!
Time to relax! Here's a lovely shot of sunrise over Ham wall taken by John Crispin from the Avalon Hide - thanks John. Have a great Weekend everyone! I'm working on Sunday so come and say hello if you see me!