It might have been a bit of a wet start to the week but it hasn't dampened our spirits. How can it when there is so much amazing stuff going on. If you thought we couldn't add to last weeks impressive list then you were wrong.
Thursday saw 2 Cranes pass over the reserve. They were visible from the Avalon Hide but flew directly over the 2nd platform heading south. They were seen by many people including Natalie Talbot who sent in this photo - thanks Natalie.
Also add to the list Spotted Flycatcher along the main path (past the 1st bridge but before the 2nd platform), a Spoonbill which was on the Shapwick scrape last Sunday (14th) and then flew off over Ham Wall, 2 Ruff in front of the 2nd platform on Sunday and the Little Ringed Plover which was close by then it's been yet another amazing week.
We seem to have several star birds at the moment so lets start with the Bitterns. They continue to boom and are now far more active too. This is an indicator that females are now feeding youngsters and making much more purposeful flights. Once you see patterns develop you can pin down where nesting is taking place. 4 birds were chasing around yesterday morning starting distantly in front of the 2nd platform and ending up over by the Avalon hide before a male Marsh Harrier showed them who was boss. They promptly dropped into the reeds. A couple crept out later - one of which is a female as she returned to the same spot on at least 3 occasions throughout the morning. Try also the 1st platform for some regular flights that are more easy to see.
This Bittern was seen swimming from the Avalon Hide on Saturday - not often you see this. Thanks again to Natalie Talbot:
As I've already mentioned them lets move onto Marsh Harriers. The Avalon Hide is definitely the place to go at the moment for these too. Lots of action in front and to the right hand side from 2 pairs. Could be a 3rd nest under construction further to the east too. Food items are being seem carried in as well as food passes between male and female. Thanks to Natalie again for these action shots:
Great White Egrets can be seen here too. In fact you can see them pretty much anywhere on the reserve at the moment. Either platform can bring success but they often drop into Waltons too. One was very close to the 1st screen this morning while on Wednesday in the pouring rain as many as 5 were in the reeds on the eastern side. Many times you don't even need to leave the car park (or even your car) as they frequently fly over the car park and/or drop into the reedbeds just beyond.
Cattle Egrets are being seen daily too. Often using the scrape at Shapwick Heath but more often than not, in flight over Ham Wall. As the name suggests they are associated with cattle. The current herd on the reserve are north and to the right of the Avalon Hide. Keep your eyes on the gorse track to the right. As many as 8 together have been seen following the cows here and many perch on the fence and gate at the very top when the cows are in that area.
Proof of the association with cattle here:
Ready for your close up........
Thanks to Natalie once again for the great photos!
Glossy Ibis are still being seen.Well, at least one. We're not quite sure what's happening here - one may well have left. If you do see two together please let us know - it's been around 2 weeks since both were seen. If you know different we'd love to hear from you. One was spotted this morning in the area in front of the 2nd platform - you could also try the blinds nearby on the footpath side which look into the western side of this area.
Our next star is the Barn Owl. Still busy this morning from the Avalon hide carrying many good sized food items. Lets hope the recent rain hasn't had too much impact on the size of the brood. They travel to an owl box on the end of the wood to the right of the hide. Thank you to Judy Upshall for submitting her photos taken this week:
In the box in the middle of wood (visible from the hide), Tawny Owls are still busy too. We now believe there to be 2 owlets present as well as adults. They often show in the entrance to the box. Natalie certainly has been in the right place at the right time - thanks again!
Hobby are another favourite for visitors - so agile and when in numbers an amazing sight. 40+ were spotted last weekend from the 1st platform but looking over Waltons and beyond - quite a sight. Natalie Talbot took these from the Avalon Hide - try here or even Loxtons for good views:
Of course they after the many dragonflies now emerging on the reserve. The most abundant is the 4 spotted chaser - on the Waltons and Loxtons trails you can often see them in their hundreds or even thousands. Thanks to Nicola Berry for the photo:
Also on the wing are Hairy dragonfly, Broad Bodied Chaser and Scarce Chaser - although as volunteer Giles Morris suggests - perhaps this is why they are so scarce:
Thanks for the photo Giles.
Damselflies are on the wing too: Blue Tailed, Large Red, Variable and Azure amongst them. Often seen in pairs or egg laying. Fascinating to watch. Thanks to Nicola Berry again for a photo of mating Azure damselfly:
Butterflies too are still pretty abundant: Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Holly Blue, Peacock and Brimstone all recorded this week.
Orange Tip: Robin Morrison
Plenty of other fascinating insects about too if you take the time to look closely:
Thanks again to Nicola Berry for some slightly different photos - nice to make it an all nature blog if we can.
On that note, an Otter was seen from the Avalon Hide this week too - it really is a hot spot at the moment.
Everywhere you look (and listen) there is a hive of activity at the moment. Along the rail path and even at the car park there is plenty of birdsong. Blackcaps, Garden warbler, Willow Warbler, Song Thrush along with all the tits and finches and of course the familiar sound of the Chiffchaff (thanks to Sue Lambert for her picture):
Also along the rail path there is always a chance of Bullfinch, Goldcrest (2 by 1st platform at lunchtime today) and Treecreeper: Thanks to Dennis Upshall for his photos of the last two - both taken this week:
Within Waltons, Loxtons and from both platforms a good selection of ducks - although I think the lone Wigeon has finally left. Seen this week: Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Thanks to Giles Morris & Simon Lewis for their duck images.
Gadwall in flight: Simon Lewis
Pochard with young: Giles Morris
Grebes too are still very obvious, particularly the Great Crested. Most have young (of varying sizes) . now while one is still incubating in front of the 2nd platform. Thanks to Natalie Talbot and Richard Berry for their shots this week:
Great Crested Grebes: Richard Berry
You'll often see the Great Crested Grebe parents diving and bringing back fish for youngsters - usually small - perhaps something like this:
Rudd: Simon Lewis
Rather than the monster this Cormorant managed to Swallow - quite incredible:
Thanks to Simon & Natalie for sending those in.
Also this week: Swift, Swift and more Swift - even in those rainy conditions, hundreds came into the reserve (many flying low over the water close to the Tor View Hide, along with them many House Martins and some Swallows, Whitethroats still active and showing well from the 1st platform in the brambles opposite, Lapwing seen displaying from both platforms during the week, another Red Kite flying over (Thursday), Garganey seen within the 2nd platform area and of course plenty of Cuckoos being heard - occasionally seen too (just follow the noise I guess is the best advice).
A few photos to finish: Firstly of Grey Herons from Simon Lewis using the platforms in Waltons and giving a nice photo opportunity - thanks Simon:
...and of Swans, often overlooked but there's no denying they make for a great photograph sometimes. Thanks to both Natalie Talbot and Richard Berry for their photos:
Mute Swan: Richard Berry
That had better be it for now. Thank you so much to all those of you who sent me pictures this week. I was a little overwhelmed but have included as many as possible - and to think John Crispin is away this week on a well earned break so I was worried that I might not have enough.
Have great weekend everyone!