It's been a fairly quiet week on the reserve despite it being half term. This of course is due in part to the main path closure as the Environment Agency work on their bridge. The reserve is very much open however - you just have to walk down the footpath on the other side of the main drain and cross back over the new bridge further down. There is on muddier stretch however, so some wellingtons or stouter shoes would be advisable.
Once you get out onto the reserve there's plenty to see. The area in front of the 1st platform is wetting up very nicely and c100 Lapwing are using it regularly (up to 500 have been seen on the reserve this week with big numbers using the area in front of the 2nd platform too). I could also hear a few Snipe in here yesterday and c35 flew over the platform on Wednesday although I'm not sure where they came from.
Lapwing from the 1st platform
There's a good range of duck species to spot also. Yesterday saw: Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Teal & Wigeon using the islands. It's also a favoured fishing spot for Great White Egret with at least one being present here for long periods each day. On Wednesday one was seen feeding alongside a Little Egret - great for a size comparison. It was also chasing around a Grey Heron - fighting over the best feeding spot perhaps.
Bittern have been seen here also with a few flights each day. Often they can be heard making a low call as they fly. It's worth noting this sound and using as an early clue to them being airborne.
It was in Waltons this week where my best sighting came. I was parked at the small willow screen at the back of Waltons when one ran across the track in front of me some 50m down. I quickly jumped out to scan the waters but it was fruitless. So a very brief sighting but very welcome - my first Otter sighting for quite some time. The following morning in Loxtons a visitor reported another sighting. Great to know they are here. During John Crispin's Otter survey this week he recorded 3 runs with no spraints (Otter's poo) and 2 runs with spraints. One of these spraints was on top of a 'grass castle', purposely scraped into a mound by the Otter to attain a little more height - an attempt to get the wind to spread the scent further afield.
Loxtons is also the place to go for the Starlings at present - but do check the starling hotline (07866 554142) just in case they decide to swap sites/locations. The numbers are beginning to build each day and many people are venturing out and witnessing some spectacular shows. You could also try coming in the morning before dawn to witness the lift off - equally spectacular. A Peregrine has been present on at least 2 mornings this week. The flock often attracts birds of prey. Yesterday a Sparrowhawk was seen on the reserve late in the day and on Wednesday evening a Barn Owl was spotted.
Also during early mornings groups of c60 Canada Geese and c15 Greylag geese pass over the 1st platform headed west. They are probably roosting in the area in front of the 2nd platform.
Having earlier mentioned Owls I should also add that a Tawny Owl was present again in the central wood next to the new Avalon Hide. We are still awaiting the windows I'm afraid but they could be coming next week - we hope. Shortly after - if building control are happy - we can finally open it up.
Other birds are also flocking on the reserve - groups of tits are common - particularly Long Tailed Tits (often with other birds mixed in such as Goldcrest). Redwing and Fieldfare are also seen daily with small groups flying over.
Fieldfare
Also this week: regular sightings of Marsh Harrier - both platforms, Waltons and Loxtons all good places to see them, Kingfishers also in Waltons and Loxtons but they have also been spotted from the first platform regularly and often perch on the rails in the water, a male Stonechat was also showing well perching on the brambles in front of the 1st platform, Jays se loitering around the reserves oak trees again this week (as well as the odd Grey Squirrel) but also seen at Tinneys ground (the plot on the Sharpham Road that we manage), Cormorants using the rafts in both Waltons & Loxtons (see photo), a Buzzard being mobbed by crows to the left of the 1st platform, grass snake seen under a tin in the Waltons area and still a few frogs and toads looking for somewhere to hibernate.
A nice close up of a Cormorant with its green eye, yellow gape and hooked bill.
Finally, some of you have been speaking to John and showing an interest in the Cranes - the new family in particular. He's sent me a few photos to show you - taken on Aller Moor on October 25th at sunrise.
The family together on the ground......
...........and in the air!
and a group shot. 63 were counted on this morning - Fantastic stuff!
That's it for this week. Have a great weekend!