Firstly, I must apologize again for the lack of blog in the last 2 or 3 weeks. I've been away on annual leave and despite my best efforts to try and squeeze a blog in before I was away, I failed miserably. Unfortunately, I've given myself a lot to catch up with to catch up with. It's probably best I just give a quick overview of the last couple of weeks and then get back on track with more current news.
Well, the kids are back at school and I guess that kind of heralds the end of the summer and the beginning of autumn - although at times of late it felt like autumn was already here. We're just leaving what is probably the quietest time of year on the reserve and change is in the air. It's been like that for a couple of weeks now but if you look hard enough though there is still plenty to see and thanks to many eagle eyed people reporting back to me there's plenty to report.
Top bird sightings recently include Osprey seen last Friday (and before). It spent much of its time at Shapwick Heath but I believe it moved onward on Monday. The same Friday a Purple Heron was reported over both Loxtons and Waltons. This bird however has not moved on. Its been seen over Loxtons on both Monday and yesterday. It's out there lurking somewhere for a lucky few to see.
One of the biggest changes of late has been the increase in wader numbers. The scrape at Shapwick is easy pickings but we have our fair share too. They are just harder to see. The second viewing platform is the best bet - but you'll need to be patient. We've chalked up a good list recently with 200+ Lapwing regularly using the sight in recent weeks. 26 Knot dropped in on Aug 18th along with a single Ringed Plover and reports of Ruff, Wood Sandpiper (up to 5), Green Sandpiper, Green shank, Redshank and Dunlin all while I was away.
Yesterday saw small groups of Snipe, a Wood Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank but also groups of up to 60 Black Tailed Godwit. A smaller group of 19 were seen on Wednesday and photographed by John Crispin:
The second platform is also the best place to see Great White Egrets at present. On Wednesday 5 were seen together along with 6 Little Egrets but we've some way to go to beat 15 seen by John Crispin on the 12th August.
Also seen from the 2nd platform this week: Ruff, 4 Shoveler, c100 Lapwing, Wigeon and Teal starting to arrive, numerous Gadwall & Mallard but also Bittern Flights and appearance s from Marsh Harrier - both male and female. A Sparrowhawk also flew across on Wednesday.
You may have noticed some changes in the car park. The sewage treatment system for the toilets is in and the toilet and reception buildings are on order. It is hoped that all will be up and running during October - lets hope all goes according to plan.
The car park is still proving an interesting place to get close to nature. Numerous dragonflies are still using the ponds, including Small Red Eyed Damselflies (as well as our usual Red Eyed Damsels) and of course the Iberian Water Frogs.
Iberian Water Frog - blowing bubbles?
The photos show how they can vary in colour. They are a lot quieter now but you may still hear the occasional croak when the sun is shining. The ponds also housed a Green Sandpiper which shot out of the ponds as I walked around on Tuesday morning.
The car park wires have been home to resting Swallows in recent weeks and they can still be seen flitting low over water bodies along with House Martins. A single Swift was reported yesterday from the 2nd platform - they'll all be gone very soon.
Swallows on wires at the car park.
Another visitor that will be on its way soon is the Hobby. There are still a few around though and a fairly good chance of a sighting each day. 3 were seen from the Loxtons screen on Tuesday while one flew obligingly in front of the 1st platform on Wednesday morning. Another recent Loxtons sighting was that of 2 Mandarin Duck, seen resting on the rafts (about 2 weeks ago now) - they have since left however.
Mandarin Duck!
I have tried to note which butterflies I've encountered this week but it's a short list - I'm sure you'll have your own to add: Green Veined White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Speckled Wood and Small Tortoiseshell.
Also this week: Whitethroat seen from the 1st platform, Raven flying over and calling this morning and on Wednesday, Spotted Flycatcher seen in the large oak by the 2nd viewing platform yesterday, Kingfisher in Waltons on Wednesday and this morning, singing Chiffchaff around Loxtons on Tuesday and then later another perched by the hide, Little Grebes in Waltons pools, Grass Snakes, Smooth Newts and Slow Worms all seen and several single Roe Deer on at least 4 different occasions this week. This Roe Buck taken by John Crispin a fortnight ago!
Roe Buck!!
I finally began to cut in front of the 1st platform yesterday. We'll do our best to crack on with it over the next couple of weeks and get things opened up. Volunteers also cut in front of the Tor View Hide yesterday to make things more visible there - there's just a small section left to do. Thanks for your patience while we catch up with work and try to make your visit more rewarding. You'll also notice that the Avalon Hide is well under construction now and is looking great busy and exciting times ahead.
That's it for this week - have a great weekend!