Well, the news is finally out. Cattle Egrets have bred on Ham Wall this year. It's nice to be able to talk about it. It's only the 2nd time in Britain (they bred here in Somerset in 2008) and the first for an RSPB reserve (there are also breeding Cattle Egret at RSPB Burton Mere on the Dee Estuary this year too).
We have 5 nests (yes an actual colony) with 9 youngsters counted - such a great addition to the reserve, we are all so chuffed. They have been seen this week on the reserve. The Avalon Hide a good place to start. One landed in front yesterday for a brief spell but the cattle are grazing the area to the left of the hide towards the factory so have a good scan of this area. You can't assume these small white herons you see are Little Egrets.
Cattle Egret: John Crispin
To continue the good news, the Great White Egrets are also having a bumper year, with 7 nests producing 17 young - it's no wonder you see them everywhere in the Avalon Marshes these days. There were at least 5 sat in front of the 2nd platform yesterday along with a whole bunch of Little Egrets. The Glossy Ibis was there too - now this is the bird I expected to breed this year, given the fact that we had a pair since last June. Unfortunately, one decided not to stay and come breeding season was gone. Maybe next year?
Great White Egret - John Crispin
Bitterns seem to be going well too. We haven't got a final total to give out yet but there seems to be an active bird still in front of the Avalon Hide. There could well have been 2 nests in this area - we thought one had fledged already but activity still seems to continue here.
Bitterns were also spotted from the 2nd platform today. One flew for some distance before being chased by a Marsh Harrier, while 2 or 3 other flights were also witnessed. We had Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall out on the reserve today doing some filming and he was thrilled to be able to see these birds (as well as Great White Egret & Glossy Ibis). Hopefully they will use some of today's footage for his programme. We will let you know when it's coming out.
Also from the 2nd platform this morning a Hobby flew past, Lapwing were out feeding amongst the numerous Mute Swans & Cormorants and there were plenty of duck too. Remember now many duck are going into eclipse - makes them just that little bit harder to identify. Swift and House Martins were also seen flying overhead and out in front, I could hear but not see, Bearded Tits. There have been several sightings from the Avalon Hide this week too.
Also from the Avalon Hide this week Barn Owls are still being seen. Even those on the left hand side which fledged around 3 weeks ago. 2 were seen on Tuesday in the rain perched out in trees with their wings outstretched shaking them off. That evening Tawny Owls were also heard calling along the main track.
Marsh Harriers are still using this area although we now believe most of these birds have fledged from the 3 nests. There's a bit of debate as to whether it's 7 or 8 young between them but still a great result whatever.
The 2nd platform or the blinds nearby on the other side still have a lot to offer - other than that already mentioned. Several waders are now beginning to use this area more regularly. Lapwings daily, several Green Sandpiper and up to 6 Redshank have been reported with varying numbers of Black Tailed Godwits (but generally well into double figures).
Green Sandpiper: John Crispin
Redshank: John Crispin
Whilst you add to your growing list of bird life just remember to look out for the fantastic insect life too. Much of the Hemlock and other flowering plants are covered in a variety of Beetles but perhaps the most obvious ones to catch you eye will be the butterflies. There's quite a variety at the moment, including some lovely fresh and vibrant looking Red Admirals along the main track. This has also been a good place to look for the one or two White Admirals we get too but one was also spotted around the car par pools too only yesterday so keep you eyes open.
Add to these the following and you get quite a good list: Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Copper, Small Skipper, Green Veined White, Comma, Brimstone, Large White - there's probably some I'm missing but you get the idea. Look out for Scarlet Tiger Moth too and the many grasshoppers in the long grasses at the car park.
Dragonflies include: Emperor, Four Spotted Chaser, Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Ruddy Darter, Common Darter, Banded Demoiselle, Blue Tailed Damselfly, Red Eyed Damselfly, Common blue damselfly, Azure Damselfly and in the car park pools (so I'm told) Small Red Eyed Damselfly.
At the car park you can still catch a variety of birds - a family of Pied Wagtails are following each other around while there are Goldfinches galore and visits from Greenfinch too. Chiffchaff can still be heard calling while the Great Spotted Woodpeckers are still visiting the feeder cam in the Welcome Building at the car park. They can also be seen out on the main reserve too - just look out for the red cap on the head to distinguish the juveniles:
Also seen this week: Treecreeper along the main path along with Spotted Flycatcher - also seen within Loxtons from the second viewing platform along with Bullfinch. Large groups of Chaffinch and Long Tailed Tits being seen too along the main track, while a Sparrowhawk was sighted on Thursday flying over the reserve. Buzzards are seen daily - particularly out on the north of the reserve and Kingfishers - a favorite for many are still being seen around the Waltons section along with now just the occasional Cuckoo.
Spotted Flycatcher: John Crispin
Apologies but it's going to be rather a short blog compared to usual - I've just run out of time this week.
One last thing though if you have some time to spare yourselves:
The Avalon Marshes Project has reached the final of the National Lottery Awards. We need YOUR vote to help us win. Votes must be in by 27th July so don't delay and vote today! www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/avalon-marshes-somerset#sthash.pVZskcuR.dpuf
Lots of people have put in a lot of hard work over the past 5 years or so developing all the local reserves and connecting us with the local communities and really putting us on the map. It's fantastic to have got to the final but of course we'd love to win it too, so please do vote and share as much as you can. Thank you.
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend - how many heron species will you see on your next visit?