A huge amount of rain fell on Monday and Tuesday this week - not surprisingly there were very few visitors all day. John Crispin did come in however (very brave) and spent an extremely wet morning on the reserve but was rewarded with some good sightings an a couple of photo opportunities. Like these very wet cormorants:
On Monday (& again on Tuesday) a Water rail was seen out in the open feeding on the island opposite the 3rd of the Waltons screens (facing west). Present at the same Time were 10 Snipe feeding and resting around one of the splashy pools which have formed on there. A Glossy Ibis put in a brief appearance, feeding for a short time before flying off.
After this a short walk up to the Tor View Hide flushed him a Bittern, which made a short flight and landed still within the Waltons section.
This morning brought a much better Bittern sighting for a few people. One came out from the reeds in front of the 1st platform and posed, sky pointing for a while before taking flight. Also from the platform a Great White Egret was seen for much of the morning. 2 were seen flying over Waltons on Tuesday. You could also try the Avalon Hide - another place for regular visits.
Great White Egret tackling a large fish: John Crispin
Great White Egret with Grey Heron for company: John Crispin
The Glossy Ibis are still being seen fairly regularly. Apart from the Waltons sighting the others tend to be from or close to the Avalon Hide. I was in the hide on Tuesday talking to a visitor and mentioned them. Immediately, one flew right past the hide - perfect timing. The following day 2 were seen here together followed a minute or 2 later by another sighting - not sure it was a third bird perhaps one just doing laps of the hide. Also on Wednesday a single bird was close to the canal path - just as you cross the new bridge over the main drain and turn right towards the Avalon hide, it was on the left hand side feeding.
I think I mentioned several blogs ago that there was a leucistic Shoveler within the Loxtons area. Well it's still there - often in front of the screen. John Crispin took this shot of it on Monday. Thanks John!
Leucistic Shoveler: John Crispin
So what is Leucism I hear you cry: Well John Crispin has provided the answer too:
Leucism is an abnormal plumage condition caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin (black, brown) from being deposited on a birds feathers. As a result, the bird does not have the normal, classic plumage, as in this case. It gives an overall white appearance.
It's also been seen in the Starling flock in previous years. A White bird flying round within the flock. Not sure it's a great defence for the poor thing. Being the only white bird must make you easy to focus on if you're a bird of prey!
Starling numbers have continued to climb sharply. Most likely now estimates of over 150,000 birds in the roost. They are still currently using Loxtons and the area just behind it plus the east side of Waltons on Ham Wall - probably best viewed from the rail path past the 1st platform. If you're planning a morning visit you will need to be in place just after 7am. 'Lift off' on Tuesday was around 7.20am. Remember the location of the roost can (and will eventually) change so a call to the Starling Hotline could be helpful - it will give you the last known location 07866 554142
Starling flock: John Crispin
With all the rain earlier in the week, water levels are well up everywhere. It also meant we couldn't pump water out of the reserve until the surrounding drains had lowered. As a result lots of debris was gathering at the bottoms of the 2 bridges over the main drain unable to pass under due to the water level. The pied wagtails didn't seen to find merrily hopping from piece to piece feeding.
Water also backed up slightly and caused a few puddles in the wood on the way to the Avalon Hide. It was only just passable, but thankfully surrounding levels have dropped again and the pumps are back on. When you get to the hide you will still notice the tell tale signs of a roosting Barn Owl. A few pellets, a fluffy white feather, a Starling carcass and what i will describe as 'whitewash' on the floor under its favourite perch. Plenty of duck in front of here too. A floating reed cutter has been working in there today opening up a few vistas from the hide. These gaps created often attract Bitterns and Egrets so worth doing.
A Tawny Owl was also reported from here last week in the owl box on the edge of the wood and Great Spotted Woodpeckers are seen in the wood daily too. If you're on the hunt for Bearded Tits they have been heard from the hide this week.
The 2nd platform is perhaps the best place for wildfowl at the moment. The floating reed cutter has been in here too opening up views from the benches and willow blinds which face into it. There's been a bit of disturbance while he's been in here this week but he's now finished this section. Plenty of Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal along with Mallard, Gadwall & Tufted Duck. Also good numbers of Canada & Greylag geese to add just a little bit of noise to the experience:
Greylags: John Crispin
Also this week:
A Sparrowhawk hunting over Waltons on Wednesday - keeping an eye on the resting Snipe on the islands (6 flew off), 300+ Lapwing flying over the reserve in the rain on Monday, Marsh Harrier over the car park on Wednesday but 2 hunting over Waltons on Tuesday morning (post Starlings), Kestrel seen with prey from the Avalon Hide yesterday, flocks of 100+ Goldfinches in and around the car park area this week and good numbers of Fieldfare & Redwing flying over close to Starling roost time, Buzzards seen daily and the usual gangs of Long Tailed Tits roving the tree lines to bring some cheer to the day.
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!