There's still plenty happening on the reserve this week, with several interesting sightings and occurrences. One of the most significant came on Monday, while 3 volunteers were undertaking the monthly WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey). In the north of the reserve a Bittern was heard to grunt (a sound often made by them prior to actual booming). One was also reported from Shapwick on the same day. It may not be too long before we hear our first booming male of the year.
Bittern sightings have been a bit thin on the ground lately - I myself saw my first one of the year from the first viewing platfrom today - but they have been reported to me every day this week from the same location and in Waltons.
The Yellow Browed Warbler is still present but is proving elusive to those trying to track it down. The first No Entry gate on the footpath side of the main drain still the best bet. Also from this location a Siberian Chiffchaff has been reported and it has since come to light that one was seen on the reserve in the first week of December but not reported until now.
Kingfishers have been seen in at least 3 locations on the reserve this week. It took me until August last year to see one at Ham Wall - the harsh winter may have had something to do with it. This shot was taken at Ham Wall a year or two ago by John Crispin. Shows the Kingfisher using a fence rail as a perch. One has been seen lately using a gauge board as a perch on at least two occasions.
Marsh Harriers have shown well all week - particularly the male who has been seen hunting over Waltons and in front of the first viewing platform, where he's also been heard calling in flight on several occasions. He was also hunting in front of the second viewing platform where he disturbed a large group of Lapwing c250-300. Other birds of prey seen this week include: buzzard, kestrel, male sparrowhawk flying across the railway line close to Loxtons, a possible Short Eared Owl (very distant & brief) and a peregrine at Tinneys Ground (the isolated plot of land we have on the small road between Sharpham and Walton village). It flew low along the water channel and all the small birds could be heard alarm calling. It then perched in a tree on the central track. Sparrowhawk seen minutes later.
Also at Tinneys a Mute Swan with a leg tag/ring being attacked by a more mature male (part of a pair). He was chased off by the bigger bird - looked to be a young adult bird but we will find out more when news comes back about its tag number.
A shelduck was reported in front of Loxtons screen on 19th Jan. We get them very occasionally and the don't stay long. Wasn't there today (20th). Also from the screen daily: Pied wagtail, Reed Bunting, Blue & Great Tits - all in the cut reed, Shoveler and Mallard. Plenty of Shoveler in front of first viewing platform also.
Also this week: Up to 3 Great White Egret in front of platform and in Waltons (but singles seen daily), Treecreeper in large Alder by path leading to Loxtons screen, 30+ Goldfinches and Redpolls & Siskins in Loxtons tree line, Bearded Tits in front of first Viewing platform, Raven and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers squabbling in the railway line trees.