Is it just me or does it feel like spring is here? What does it for me is the arrival of good numbers of Sand Martins flying over the reserve - great timing as there seems to have been an emergence of small flies too, so some good feeding opportunities. Listen out for their chirping calls as they hunt on the wing.
We've also had a couple of reports of Swallow too - one yesterday but a couple previously including one on Sunday. Still waiting for my first - sure it won't be long.
The warmer weather has also brought out some butterflies with several Red Admiral and Peacock recorded this week. There's also been a mention of Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell from visitors but I'm yet to see these myself yet. Common Frogs and Toads are also active but the Iberian water Frogs may prefer it just a little warmer before we really start seeing (and hearing) them. We should also start to see the Grass snakes and perhaps the odd Adder as they all wake from their slumbers.
Some birds are already busy. Early nesters such as Grey Herons are already sat in full view in Waltons. One nest at the back on the east side can be seen from the screens and Tor View Hide while a walk around the south of the section will reveal 2 more.
From the 1st platform a Great Crested Grebe is sat on one of the islands and there are several more pairs around including in front of the Avalon Hide and within Waltons where I witnessed one trying to swallow quite a large fish this morning.
The Avalon Hide is the place to go to see Marsh Harriers. After last weeks mating sequence of photos - they have been seen mating yet again this week but also very busy carrying nesting material. Natalie Talbot has sent me pictures taken on Thursday this week - thanks Natalie:
Marsh Harrier with nesting material: Natalie Talbot
There's also been the odd altercation with crows......
Marsh Harrier & Carrion Crow: Natalie Talbot
...and some much closer action:
Marsh Harrier: Natalie Talbot
Some of the best news came from our Bittern Survey this week. Many staff & volunteers got up very early yesterday to do our 1st booming Bittern count across the whole of the Avalon Marshes. The results are in and Ham Wall has an incredible 20 booming males plus another one on adjacent land not owned by us. There was a total of 45 males recorded with number 46 coming from outside the Avalon Marshes at RSPB Greylake.
There will be a second count in April, which is usually higher - yes, the total could increase. You should start to hear them more during the day too as time goes on. If you'd like to experience this for yourself why not book onto one of our Mr Boombastic Bittern walks
Mr Boombastic
Ham Wall
Saturday 25 March, Saturday 8 April, Saturday 22 April
6 am - 9 am
£6 non-member / £4 member
£3 child non-member / £2 child member
With over forty male booming bitterns recorded last year the Avalon Marshes is one of the best places in the country to find this shy and elusive bird.
Join us on an early morning walk to come and listen to the eerie booming of the bitterns as they look for a mate.
Booking essential
Tel: 01458 860494
Email: ham.wall@rspb.org.uk
As well as booming there seems to be an increase in the numbers of flights too. The 1st platform and the Avalon Hide have all had reports of Bitterns in flight this week.
Whilst out on your travels you should also be able to pick up on yet more heron species. As well as Little Egrets (one was in Waltons this morning) you've always got a chance of Glossy Ibis. The pair are still around - often seen singly but also as a pair. They've been moving around quite a lot this week but as last week try opposite the bridge after the 1st platform (anywhere in that area) but they have also been seen in front of both platforms this week and within Waltons.
I'd suggest starting your search at Waltons as we have drained down an area here and they were both feeding there yesterday and today. One on the second island up visible from the main path or the 3rd screen, while the other was visible from the Tor View Hide. Keep an eye out for Snipe on both these islands too (20-30 there this morning).
The other heron for your set would be the Great White Egret. Either platform a good place to start but also check out the reedbeds close to the car park along the main track. Many birds are now coming into breeding plumage - look out for blushed red colour on the tibia, black bill and green lores (where bill meets the face) and also the long plumes - all synonymous with breeding plumage. Here's some photo's from John Crispin to help you - thanks John!
If your walking the Waltons circuit there's plenty to see other than what I've already mentioned. At the Tor View Hide keep an eye out for Shoveler, Teal & Tufted Duck feeding close in but also there has been Water Rail spotted again but very many being vocal in the reed beds. Natalie Talbot took this shot this week and sent it in. Thanks Natalie:
There have been several Reed Bunting on show too feeding in the splashy areas - again thanks to Natalie for the shot:
...and one other great sighting from here. Our first Garganey of the season. A lovely male showing well around the 2nd island on the west side.
Cettis Warblers are also making themselves known. One was perching up well and showing nicely this week near the screens. As you walk through from the 1st platform check out the scrub on the right. He's in there somewhere!
Around the back of the Waltons Trail there seems to have been a lot of Kingfisher activity this week, with 2 or even 3 birds chasing around. One was also spotted on the way to the Avalon Hide.
Also along the route to the Avalon Hide look out for Great Spotted Woodpecker and listen out for Chiffchaff - there are a few now singing on the reserve. At the hide - apart from Marsh Harriers and Bitterns look out for Bearded Tits. They've been heard every day this week but only properly seen a couple of times. A group of 6 on Thursday and a single male showed well on Wednesday for a visitor. She'd never seen one before and was thrilled. Also on Thursday 2 Ravens were seen close to the hide flying slowly around and calling.
Also this week:
Treecreeper seen as last week by the boardwalk bridge to Ham wall from the car park, Firecrest just across the road from the car park entrance on Monday, a Blackcap along the main path this morning, a Redshank calling in flight over Waltons (also this morning), 17 Lapwing flying over the 1st platform yesterday, Pintail around all week (1st platform today but also try 2nd platform) and news of an Otter sighting on our land beyond Waltons - no public access here but great to have this report.
A final photo from Natalie Talbot to finish of Swans in flight - a very familiar sight but a great one - and what a sound when they fly - unmistakable.
That's it for this week- have a great weekend!