There's been a noticeable change this week - despite the glorious days with lovely sunny spells, there is a definite chill in the air and the evenings and night times are noticeably colder. This is reflected in the behaviour of the wildlife on the reserve. The first winter thrushes have been reported locally (Redwing & Fieldfare) so keep an eye out for these and of course our most obvious winter visitor - the Starling - is on the increase.
We're beginning to receive more inquiries about the murmurations and so the decision has been made to activate the Starling Hotline once again. It was previously updated by our one and only John Crispin who after 8 very dedicated years has decided to hang up his Starling cap (but thankfully not his camera). We really appreciated the time and effort he put into keeping the service updated - quite a feat. Thank you John.
This year Kevin Anderson from the Avalon Marshes partnership will lead on this and the many eyes around the reserves will keep him updated. The phone is active and 07866 554142 is the number to call.
There are currently 3-4000 birds roosting in the reedbeds at Waltons and Loxtons. These numbers will increase rapidly with colder weather. This Thursday Robin Morrison was on site in the morning to witness the 'take off' and took these photos - thanks Robin!
Even small numbers look spectacular don't they. Of course these groups of birds attract hungry predators. Marsh Harriers often hunt after the birds take off to hoover up any dead or weak birds left in the reedbeds and Sparrowhawks will often hunt through the flocks splitting them apart. This happened on Thursday but it appeared the hunt was unsuccessful on this occasion:
Sparrowhawk & Starling flock - Robin Morrison
Of course these hunters can be seen during the day too. The Sparrowhawk seen on both Sunday and Monday from the 1st platform. Natalie Talbot grabbed this shot on her Monday visit - thanks Natalie!
As far as Marsh Harriers are concerned they are seen daily. A nice male flew across in front of the 1st platform on Thursday and most days can be seen in front of the 2nd platform too. There are good numbers of duck gathered at both places but also in front of the Avalon Hide. Whilst there on Wednesday Coots suddenly dived and ducks flew as a Marsh Harrier came into view.
There have been several Kingfisher sightings here this week too with one bird seen hunting and carrying fish. A visitor reported several sightings around the Waltons trail yesterday too. In the last couple of weeks the first platform has come up trumps for them too but there have also been reports of 2 perched on the new pond dipping platform in the car park - so it's worth glancing that way if you're about.
Another favourite - the Great White Egret is also being seen daily. Again the first platform and the Avalon Hide certainly have regular visits from these birds along with other members of the Heron family. Bitterns are often seen at the same locations and sunny mornings have been seen loafing and preening and showing off their cryptic plumage at the back of the area from the 1st platform, as John Crispin's photos prove. Thanks John!
The Glossy Ibis are being seen too. Sometimes at Shapwick Heath on the scrape, sometimes on Ham Wall from the 1st platform but also just over in Waltons on the west side where we have pumped down the water. We plan to get onto some of these islands and cut and clear the reed this coming week with our amazing volunteers!
As I've mentioned there are plenty of duck across the site now: growing numbers of Teal & Wigeon joining the good numbers of Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler and a small number of Tufted Duck. In fact many of the drake Shoveler are still in eclipse plumage.
Some ducks are often overlooked and considered a bit boring but a closer look at some can change your mind. Here's some nice shots of Gadwall taken by John Crispin that show it be rather a smart duck:
and in flight ...
and a pair from Robin Morrison...
Elsewhere on site there seems to have been an increase in Snipe numbers this week. Well over 20 were disturbed on Wednesday at the first platform but I've also seen small groups and singles in flight this week. When they take to the air they usually vocalise - best described as a 'ca-atch' (like a muffled sneeze) and generally fly in a zig zag manner for quite some distance. If you learn this call and behaviour it will give you a better chance of picking up this fast flying bird.
Snipe; John Crispin
Dragonflies are still on the wing but the colder snaps could see these drop off quite dramatically. In sheltered areas though they are still very active when the sun is out. The wood on the way to the Avalon Hide is a good example. Here on Wednesday were mating pairs of Southern Hawker, Common Hawker, Ruddy Darter and Common Darter. Butterflies of note include: Peacock, Red Admiral, Green Veined White, Speckled Wood and Comma.
Southern Hawker
Also this week: 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers calling and perching in the Avalon Hide path wood, 2 Kestrels at our Office at the Avalon Marshes Centre, 2 Tawny Owls heard calling on the reserve on Thursday morning, an Otter seen in front of the 1st platform last Sunday (9th ), Great Crested Grebe in winter plumage from 1st platform (unusual for us to have these present in the winter months), Little Grebes in Waltons.......
Little Grebe: Robin Morrison
and Jays still collecting acorns.......
Jay with acorn: Natalie Talbot
Lastly for the sightings this week, a really nice action shot from Robin Morrison of a Cormorant catching a fish on Ham Wall this week, thanks Robin:
Cormorant with fish: Robin Morrison.
Finally this week some extra news all visitors need to be made aware of:
We’re introducing Car Parking Charges at Ham wall
We will be introducing Car park charges to the reserve on Monday 14th November.
All the birds, animals and this amazing landscape is here because the RSPB and its partners are giving nature a home in this special place.
The RSPB is a charity and we rely on support from people like you.
Tickets are £3 all day per car. Access to the reserve facilities is included in the cost of your parking ticket. Entrance and parking are FREE to RSPB members.
If you have any questions email the reserve office ham.wall@rspb.org.uk or phone on 01458 860494.
We look forward to seeing you at the reserve soon.
Have a great weekend Everyone.