The slightly milder weather this week has thawed out the reserve and so birds have been able to move around a little more freely. Most noticeably there has been an increase in Bittern activity this week. There have been several sightings in front of the first viewing platform and within Waltons. 4 different birds were seen on Tuesday afternoon with 2 in Waltons, 1 in Loxtons and one in front of the platform (This one was seen twice - the second time it flew right across in front of the platform - very close in). There have also been more reports of male birds grunting (not quite booming) with 3 reported on Tuesday morning and another from a different area on Monday morning. It's just a little ahead of where we were this time last year.
3 Drake Pintail (a handsome looking duck) have been in front of the first viewing platform all week - regularly seen with their backsides up in the air as they feed. In the same area on Monday a drake Smew was picked up by volunteers undertaking the monthly WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey), but by the late morning it had already disappeared and has not been seen again this week. Also during the WeBS as many as 7 drake Goosander were recorded on the Waltons section.
Pintails at Ham Wall taken earlier this month by John Crispin.
The first two screens at Waltons currently offer good views to a group of c20 Pochard and from the 3rd screen close views of Teal, Shoveler and Lapwing can be seen on the cut island in front. Both Male and Female Marsh Harrier have been seen from these locations and the first viewing platform every day this week.
Great White Egrets can still be seen on a daily basis, with one bird in particular favouring the area in front of the first viewing platform, where it has been noted every day for long periods. Today (17.02.12) one has also been seen in Waltons section and on the cut island from the Loxtons screen.
A male Merlin was also spotted today from the first viewing platform flying close in and low before flying away from us and disappearing quickly over the far bank. It's the first one reported on the reserve for a while (it was also seen yesterday evening I have since discovered) so it was a pleasing sighting.
Also yesterday evening a Glossy Ibis was seen flying from Ham Wall over to Shapwick Heath and then beyond. It's quite possible this is the same bird reported from the Catcott Lows area recently - so it's worth keeping your eyes open if you're in the area.
During the one of our guided walks on Wednesday, guests were treated to good views of both Sparrowhawk and Peregring as well as the selection of wildfowl that Ham Wall has to offer - the majority of these people were quite new to birding so was a valuable sighting to have.
Also on the reserve this week: groups of Redpoll and Siskins still being seen and reported - particularly in the Alder trees along the railway line and around Loxtons, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebes, Little Grebes, Raven, Buzzard, several Chiffchaff, Treecreeper and Bearded Tits heard pinging briefly from the first viewing platform.
I have met several people/groups on the reserve lately who have been reading the blog and deciding to come and visit. It's pleasing to know that people are using the information we provide. If there are other things you want know about or any other information you would like us to provide please just ask.