The spring migration is in full flow and you can build up quite a bird list during a visit to Ham Wall. The car park itself can be very rewarding. Blackcaps seem to be everywhere along with several singing Chiffchaff. Song Thrush can be heard belting out its call and add to this Great Tit, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Blue Tit and you're well on your way.
Unfortunately it seems that the Blue Tits have abandoned the nest on the nest cam - the same as the Great Tits did last year. Such a shame it was creating a lot of interest at the Welcome Building. Never mind - next year perhaps?
If you're in the car park always remember to look up too. You never know what's passing overhead. Several Swift have been sighted this week - I got my first which was nice. I'm always pleased to see them back. Red Kite have passed over too - 2 on Wednesday in disputes with gulls and another yesterday in a dispute with a Buzzard.
Great White Egrets pass over the car regularly - check out the reedbeds beyond the car park on the way down to the reserve. They also hang around in front of both platforms at the moment. Often 2 at the first platform but at least 3 in the 2nd platform area today along with a few Little Egrets. I did have to stop and check them out due to the continued sightings of Cattle Egrets across the local reserves including Ham Wall. 12 were seen flying up out of the reserve this morning heading north.
John Crispin took this shot of Great White Egret this week. It was one of the ringed birds in front of the 2nd platform. There's a close up of the ring too - AAC on a red back ground on the left leg. Thanks John:
Grey Herons are still nesting within the Waltons reedbeds - still a few running repairs going. Thanks to Nicola Berry for the photo:
Another "heron" for the set is of course the Glossy Ibis. Definitely still 2 birds around - although rumours of 4 birds surfaced this week. Keep your eyes open out there - you never know. For views of the definite 2 try the second platform or the 2 willow blinds which look onto the same area from the footpath. There have also been a few sightings of a bird from the Tor View Hide this week. An interesting bit of Grey Heron activity this week cam on Tuesday when one stood on the ditch to the left of the gate leading down into Waltons from the 1st platform. It suddenly pounced into the drain and came out with a Water Vole. It then stood on the boardwalk at Waltons for a while trying arrange it so it could swallow it. It eventually managed it to the amazement of a few visitors. Check out the same area for Grass Snakes too - a few spotted swimming and basking here this week.
As far as Bitterns go - they are still bountiful. 45 booming males recorded in the Avalon Marshes last week tells us that. Early mornings are best for booming but several birds can be heard throughout the day. Activity is increasing slightly - a few chases of 2 or more birds are being reported but the best of the week was the group of 6 seen flying over Waltons on Tuesday. The record stands at 12 though - so a little way to go to beat that one. Collective noun for Bitterns? A Sedge or a Siege as far as I can remember.
The spring migrants are pouring in: Swift I already mentioned but Sand Martins are still being seen daily and some large groups of House Martins have also been recorded this week. Groups of 100+ some of which settled in the reedbeds at one point like Starlings. Still just the odd Swallow, although I am seeing more in local villages. Cuckoos too are being seen and heard. Finally got my first this morning. At least 4 different birds around. Close to 2nd platform maybe the best spot - just listen out. Also reports of Hobby this week - including 4 just reported to me as I write this from the Avalon Hide.
Garganey are in too - at least 2 males in front of the 2nd platform this week but some hangers on too. Several Teal and a Wigeon seen this morning (2 Wigeon from 1st platform yesterday too).
At the first platform look out for Whitethroats - several perching and singing from the brambles opposite (see photo) and on the way down listen out for Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. A pair of Bullfinch were also reported between the bridge & 1st platform this morning. There's also been one reported on the way to the Avalon Hide. Along the same path both Sedge & Reed Warbler singing each side of the path - try to spot the difference if they are still there.
Whilst at the platform there;s a good chance you'll see Great Crested Grebes with 2 young - try also the Tor View Hide (parent and single chick seen). There's a bird still sat at the Avalon Hide too. Thanks again to John Crispin for the photos.
For Marsh Harriers, as always, it's the Avalon Hide. Great displays from males this week and mating again seen and a food pass. Seems to be good for birds of prey lately - Barn Owl seen again to the right at the gate, a Peregrine on Tuesday but also seen terrorising the many Shoveler (without success) in front of the 2nd platform around the same time. Kestrel also seen to add to the Hobby sightings. A Kestrel was also seen carrying food over the 1st platform on Tuesday.
The 2nd platform is packed full of birds at times as we have lowered the water levels in here. It's attracting lots of our heron species but many waders too. 5 Snipe reported along with Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank and 4 Black Tailed Godwits:
Butterflies this week: Orange Tip (lots), Peacock (lots), Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Green Veined White, Small White, Brimstone, Speckled Wood & Small Tortoiseshell, While Dragonflies and damselflies are now emerging in greater numbers. Hairy Dragonfly and Broad Bodied Chaser reported along with Large Red, Azure, Variable and Blue Tailed Damselfly.
Also this week: 2 Goldcrests in a dispute along the rail path before the 1st platform, Pintail 2nd platform on Monday, Grasshopper Warbler heard from the rail bridge this morning, a Bittern Stood on Ashcott Road near the reserve (it was in good health), a fox running through the middle of the reserve, Iberian Water Frogs beginning to croak longer and louder (car park and Waltons are good spots) & Greylag Geese with 7 young (6 pictured) in front of the 2nd platform:
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!