Some heavy showers and high winds have battered the reserve a bit over the last few weeks and it looks set to continue a bit longer. We haven't suffered too badly in terms of damage or loss of trees but tracks around the reserve and very wet which makes vehicle access difficult for us. It's not worth the risk of getting stuck or simply chopping up the pathways causing too much damage. It means a bit of a rethink on what work we can do, where, when and how etc but we enjoy a challenge. Unfortunately, we have had to close the Loxtons trail again, although the short stretch up to hide is still currently open.
In terms of wildlife , there have been few reports from visitors but there have probably been fewer visitors given the weather and of course there has been little staff and volunteer presence over the Christmas break.
The good news though has come in the reports of several Otter sightings over the last couple of weeks from the 1st platform - always great to hear.
Great White Egrets too are being seen daily. Both platforms can offer good views particularly the 1st one. Two were seen in a flooded field of the reserve this morning beyond the area immeadiately in front of the 1st platform.
Just before Christmas John Crispin took these photos of a Great White Egret trying to swallow a pike. He believes it eventually gave up the battle.
Great White Egret with pike.
Black Headed Gulls looking on: You're not seriously gonna eat that are you?
With the high water levels across the Marshes many waders are likely to be spending time in the flooded wider countryside although I did spot a few Snipe in front of the 2nd platform this morning between the bursts of rain, thunder and lightning. The ducks however do tend to stick to the reserve and several hundred Teal could be seen and heard this morning in 2 main areas - one of which was in front of the 2nd platform. Wigeon are there too along with the usual Gadwall and Mallard and a few Shoveler and Tufted Duck.
Tufted Duck
The Starlings continue to be a big draw for visitors and have been using both Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath over the last couple of weeks although the bulk of the birds are currently roosting at Shapwick at the moment. If you are planning a visit it is worth phoning the Starling Hotline for the latest roost location as it can change from night to night. These photographs were taken by John Crispin from the new hide in Waltons just before Christmas.
Starlings in Waltons
The hide has also been a great place in recent weeks to catch a sighting of Marsh Harrier - particularly the male. In fact, I've had a report this very morning of a male carrying off a Moorhen from Waltons.
Small groups of smaller birds can be seen on the reserve too including : Goldfinches, Long Tailed Tits, Redpoll & Siskin. I also spotted a few Fieldfares out on the northern part of the reserve this morning too. I've also heard a drumming Great Spotted woodpecker this morning and the call of a Green Woodpecker near our offices.
Finally, a moment of calm in amonst the storms. A great shot taken from the new "Tor View Hide" in Waltons. (Just to prove you can see the Tor)
Hopefully a more extensive blog next week - with things all back to normal!