Despite some very wet and windy weather conditions this week, there have been some good sightings to report. A Yellow-browed Warbler was spotted on three consecutive days this week Mon-Weds and although no reports as yet form yesterday this doesn't mean it's not still present. If you want to try and track it down, walk down the track on the opposite side of the drain and stop at the first No Entry wooden gate on the left by the wood. This is where it has been seen and on Wednesday in the same area: 4 Bullfinches, a female Blackcap, several Goldcrests and a large mixed flock including around 20 Siskin, 30 Redpoll & 40 Goldfinches.
There are 2 great pictures of the Yellow-browed Warbler by James Packer on a link from the Somerset Ornithological Society website.
Also this week, a female Goldeneye was seen from the viewing screen on the Loxtons trail on Thursday afternoon. Quite unusual for Ham Wall to have Goldeneye - just an occasional visitor, so very nice to see.
Otter seen from the new willow screen around the Waltons trail on Monday 2nd Jan. Also seen here on Christmas Eve.
Both Male & Female Marsh Harriers have been seen this week. The male was seen in front of the first viewing platform on Thursday, disturbing large groups of duck, while the Female was seen on the north of the reserve on the same day and from the viewing screens at Waltons on Wednesday. Ducks in front of the first viewing platform include: good numbers of both Wigeon and Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Gadwall and Teal. There are still a few hundred Teal in the area behind Central Wood (the wood diagonally right of the first platform).
Great White Egrets have also been seen in this area this week and 2 were seen together in Waltons on Wednesday. Up to 5 are still present locally.
A Peregrine was also seen hunting over this area on both Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, probably waiting for the Starling flocks to arrive to grab an easy meal and a Raven here on Thursday afternoon.
The Starlings have been mostly at Shapwick Heath this week, with many people opting to park at the far end of Shapwick in the Avalon Marshes Centre, which is great as it keeps the road relatively clear. The Starling Hotline is still up and running though, so worth checking it still before making a trip out in case the main roost moves again. 07866 554142. As with most years a white starling (leucistic) has been seen within the flock. Not sure how long they last with predators though, as they do rather stick out like a sore thumb.
Also seen this week: Bearded Tits heard pinging on the north of the reserve, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers flying together on Weds, Reed Bunting feeding on the grassy track, Meadow Pipit, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Little Grebe. Very few Bittern sighings this week but still present.