There have been some fantastic sunrises this week over the reserve and plenty of signs of the approach of spring.
Yes, it may be cold but I'm not going bonkers - the slightly longer days and warmer spells (at times) are triggering a difference in behaviour from some of our wildlife. Mind you I've not heard my first booming Bittern yet - it was this date last year when I had my first.
There have been a few flights. Some from the first platform and within Waltons & Loxtons - it's great to see them using these sections despite both these areas looking pretty trashed and flattened in places due to the continual use of these areas by the hoards of Starlings at roost time.
Plenty of gulls and Great White Egrets are still being seen in these areas too but not in the numbers of the last couple of weeks. There's always a good chance of seeing one here though as well as the area in front of the 1st platform which usually tends to be a favoured fishing area.
Great White Egret: John Crispin
This bird above photographed by John Crispin this week is showing some wonderful finery - this feather growth is used during the birds displays. There is also the start of a change of bill colour from yellow to black.
Another bird showing signs of a change in behaviour is the Great Crested Grebe. Birds have been seen practicing their courtship dance - plenty of head bobbing going on. When they're in full swing it will be a wonderful sight to see. Thanks to John Crabb & John Crispin for the following photos!
Great Crested Grebes: John Crabb
You may even see them catching the odd fish or two:
Great Crested Grebe: John Crispin
Elsewhere Great Spotted Woodpeckers are drumming more and more each week. There are several places to track them down. The wood by the Avalon HIde or along the rail,path perhaps but you could just loiter in the car park or even watch the live feeder cam in the Welcome building. It's often on there feeding along with Blue Tit, Robin & Great Tit. In fact, Great Tits are seemingly everywhere - much more noticeable now as they are beginning to sing more frequently, with their 'Teacher, Teacher' call.
A walk along the main track through the reserve can be rewarding - sighted this week along there: Blackbird, Robing, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tialed Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Wren, Treecreeper, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Song Thrush (pictured).
Also look out for Firecrest. One was seen close to the metal entrance gate early in the week and one has certainly been since further up on Shapwick Heath. It's worth scanning any groups of Goldcrest (which have also been seen here) to see if it's hidden amongst them.
Another close relative the Yellow Browed Warbler was spotted and then heard singing along the track to the Tor View Hide on Wednesday - so worth a look I guess. While you're there at the hide look out for the 2 Glossy Ibis - they've been back there a couple of times this week - I'm unsure as to where they are the rest of the time - not picking up any reports.
There's plenty of wildfowl to scan over here too: Shoveler, Teal and Gadwall showing really well along with Tufted Duck and Mallard. Water Rails heard but noit seen here this week but they often are while on the cut islands of Waltons it's always worth scanning for Snipe - 15 were present this morning.
In the mornings here you will often see Marsh Harriers hunting over the reedbeds looking for carrion (perhaps dead Starlings from the roost) or any unsuspecting prey. John Crabb took this shots on Wednesday - thanks John:
Marsh Harrier - John Crabb
They're not the only birds up to this trick though. This Carrion Crow was doing exactly 'what it says on the tin' by tucking into this dead Starling this week - thanks to John Crispin for the photo:
Also this week: Still lots of Greylag Geese using the area in front of the 2nd platform, Ravens seen and heard over the reserve on a couple of occasions this week, a Red Admiral seen in flight along the rail path yesterday during a sunny period (it was quite sheltered where it was seen and in full sun), Kestrel seen hovering north (in front but a little distant) of the Avalon Hide this morning, Bearded Tits heard at several locations but most notably for visitors some heard calling not too far from the Avalon Hide this morning but also this week a single male bird seen from the Tor View Hide. Also this very adaptable Robin. It was seen and then photographed standing on floating debris picking off insects at Waltons (thanks to John Crabb for the info and shot):
Also this week reports of a Cattle Egret close to the reserve this week feeding out in fields. John Crispin was on hand to take a couple of morning shots and another frosty one this morning:
Guess it should be a sunset to finish but here's another sunrise from this week taken from the reserve by John Crispin - thanks John!
That's it for this week - have a great weekend!