Ham Wall

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 17.05.2013

2013-05-17T15:21:00Z

The weather was pretty dour early in the week and the blog was looking a bit lean a couple of days ago but the brighter weather has woken everything up again and the last few days has seen plenty more activity on the reserve.

Last weekend saw a huge influx of Swallows and Martins and Swifts in particular. This trend has continued this week with hundreds of Swifts soaring over the reserve on Wednesday and Thursday - this sight always lifts my spirits - they always look like they are having such fun.

One of the biggest surprises is for us still to have Wigeon on the reserve with 5 recorded last Friday and 3 earlier this week. A visitor also reported seeing one yesterday - they are normally all gone by this time with perhaps just 1 or 2 Teal left behind.

A duck which migrates into the the reserve for the summer - the Garganey, has been very much in evidence too this week with yet again sightings from the 2nd platform this week of a drake but more surprisingly a pair of Garganey sitting in full view on the small rafts in Waltons by the screens yesterday - what a treat.

There seem to be plenty of Pochard across the reserve too and a pair of Shoveler showed well in Waltons also yesterday. Mallard, Gadwall and Tufted duck are also present, often hidden with many females potentially on nests currently. 2 Shelduck have still been present in the newly restored Garleys area this week and one flew over the first viewing platform this morning. The Ring Necked Duck which was in Loxtons has not been reported this week so may have moved on.

So too, it seems has the Pied Billed Grebe with no sightings reported in the past week - he could of course still be in the area on land not owned by the conservation bodies or in areas hard to access.

Black Tailed Godwits have popped in again this week although currently seem to be favouring Shapwick but 30+ were seen last weekend (1st platform) along with a single Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper from the second platform. 5 Whimbrel were also seen earlier this week.

Other waders seen this week include 2 Redshank seen in Waltons, one of them photographed preening below:

Several Lapwing too are on site with birds seen displaying in front of both platforms, land beyond the first platform (a wet field called Broomfield) and with Garleys. Up to 14 birds are believed to be present at the moment with several other pairs on fields adjacent to the reserve.

Several Bittern flights had every day with Loxtons, Waltons and in front of the 1st platform - see previous blog for a chase sequence of photos. One has been particulaly antagonised by crows within Waltons this week - the crows made several passes on Thursday!

Great White Egrets are also being seen daily often within Waltons or Loxtons but also seen up on the northern side of the reserve. Marsh Harriers too are busy with at least 4 birds being spotted daily. The first viewing platform offers the most likely place for a sighting.

Hobbys too have been seen in abundance this week - co-inciding with an emergence of damselflies - particularly blue tailed damselfly. 4 spotted Dragonflies are also beginning to emerge and these can be seen in huge numbers around the Waltons trail every year - lets hope this years no different. As many as 10 Hobby were spotted together at one point yesterday from the 1st viewing platform. I had one myself perched on a post just a few feet away while I was driving the truck - terrific!

Also this week: 4 Black Terns seen at Long Drove on Thursday were also picked up at the south end of Waltons by a visitor, several Sparrowhawk sightings, several Cuckoo sightings with Loxtons and Waltons still favourite, 11 Cranes flying over on Monday, a Bearded Tit heard pinging in Waltons (normally they are all on the non access side - this week several sightings out there), Goldcrest nest building, Great Crested Grebes nesting in front of 1st viewing platform and lots of warbler song and activity on the rail path.

Well that's it for this week. Have a great weekend!!

Bonkers Bitterns at Ham Wall

2013-05-17T14:25:36Z

May's always a good month for Bitterns at Ham Wall and this year is no exception. Males are still booming well and the chase is on for females. Birds can be seen chasing each other round in courtship displays and males often have disputes with each other over territories. It's not uncommon to see 2 birds together or even 3 or 4 and it's happened this week too.

We've been running a "Bitterns in Hot Pursuit day" every Thursday in May between 10am and 3pm for visitors to talk to staff and volunteers about Bitterns and hopefully bag a sighting or two. Good numbers of folks came through the reserve yesterday and most were not disappointed and we've still got 2 more Thursdays to go.

Bitterns, of course, are about every day at Ham Wall and volunteer John Crispin managed to catch this sequence of photos of 2 Bitterns on Monday morning at around 9.40am within the Waltons section of the reserve:

I haven't actually included all the phot's John sent but you get a sense of what's happening. The whole sequence lasted about 69 seconds with a fly round inbetween so there's always a chance of a prolonged sighting - great to see such interesting behaviour too. Thanks John for the photos.

Avalon Marshes Open Day - Sunday May 26th

2013-05-17T13:50:55Z

Together with all the partners in the Avalon Marshes we are holding our annual Avalon Marshes Open Day on Sunday 26th May from 10am til 4pm to celebrate what we all do for nature in this inspiring mosaic of reedbeds, open water, woodland & meadow within a working farming landscape.

There will be lots of displays & information for adults showcasing our current and future activities & for children: games, trailer rides into Shapwick Heath Reserve, pond dipping, badge making, nest box making, butterfly crafts & the chance to meet the local sheep.

Somerset crafts will be open selling beautiful art work, Eco Bites provides refreshments & you can even buy RSPB’s own peat-free compost.

The main partners are RSPB, Natural England, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Hawk & Owl Trust, Somerset County Council & the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership and will all be represented on the day!

It's all happening at The Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, BA6 9TT.

Everyone welcome! Free admission!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 10.05.2013

2013-05-10T15:19:00Z

The amazing weather of last week continued into the early part of this week and with it the interesting sightings continued to flow.

The weekend saw a huge influx of Swifts over the Avalon Marshes, with 1000's seen and there were several hundred flying over the reserve today as well along with groups of House Martins. There were large groups of House Martins yesterday feeding on the low flying insects pushed down no doubt by the high winds and occasional rain. Great streams of birds were following the line of the canal behind the rail path trees in the lee of the wind.

Last weekend also saw another Osprey passing through along with 2 Red Kites on Bank Holiday Monday seen whilst visitors watched the Marsh Harriers from the 1st platform and the Cranes put in another appearance with a group of 8 flying over. When the weather is good it's worth scanning high in the sky - particularly for passing Cranes or raptors. Whimbrel too have visited again this week with 4 last weekend and another 7 seen on Wednesday. The second platform area a firm favorite for these.

The waders continue to flow through the reserve - often just odd birds stopping off briefly but the variety seen over the last couple of months has been amazing. Monday saw a single Grey Plover, Tuesday a single Pectoral Sandpiper, a single Greenshank on a couple of occasions and today saw, most unusually a Turnstone. Maybe the strong winds were a factor in this most welcome appearance -well spotted by Joe Cockram.

To add to these were c10 Dunlin (maybe more) on Sunday and a single bird today, Common Sandpiper on several occasions from the 2nd platform but also seen on the small rafts in Waltons on Tuesday and the usual Lapwings and Redshank from both platforms. Groups of Black Tailed Godwits often sit in front of the 1st platform (up to 30 reported).

As previously mentioned Marsh Harriers are still spotted frequently from the 1st platform - also the best place for a Bittern sighting with a few had this morning (and within Waltons) where 4 were seen flying/chasing each other. Several Boomers continue to boom - both platforms, Waltons and Loxtons the best bet.

Loxtons also the best bet for a Cuckoo sighting. Several birds can be heard around the reserve but the trees in this area are a favourite perch. The Ring Necked Duck has also been seen this week from the Loxtons screen although wasn't there this morning when I looked but it has been quite mobile, having been seen in Waltons and other parts of Loxtons recently. It could have moved on of course and I have my suspicions that the Pied Billed Grebe may have done the same with no sightings or calling reported for a few days(since Monday). If you know differently then let us know!

The 2nd platform has been a good draw for waders but there's plenty more species to see. Garganey continue to show well - particularly a drake who seems happy to sit in full view (2 seen on Weds), Great Crested Grebes are present and one flew across in front of visitors today - can catch people out at first as they are not often seen in flight, an Arctric Tern flew over this morning and a Hobby flew low across the water and came in nice and close (up to 6 were seen above the reserve on Monday). 2 Wigeon are still present here - very late for them and Teal has also been seen today.

2 pairs of Canada Geese are present, one with a few young and a third pair in Waltons had 8 young. 2 Greylag Geese also sat in front of the 1st platform on Tuesday.

Also this week: 2 Shelduck again seen in the newly restored Garleys area, Wood Warbler 100 yards or so past the 2nd platform, 2 Sparrowhawks together on Monday, Red Kite on Tuesday morning from 1st platform, Peregrine also seen Tuesday by a visitor, a single Redpoll on the canal track near the main gate, a Weasel ran across the rail path on Wednesday, Kingfishers at Long Drove, Loxtons and Waltons and c100 Mute Swans also at Long Drove (near Sharpham fishing pools).

Lots of Warblers on the reserve with a notable increase in Garden Warbler. The best ones to find are by the Waltons screens and immeadiately left of the 1st viewing platform. John Crispin caught this shot of it in full song yesterday! Thanks John!

There's also been an increase in Dragonflies and Damselflies this week - we're not just about birds remember. A few more Hairy Dragonflies seen but also Broad Bodied Chaser (male pictured below):

Damselflies this week include: Blue tailed, Azure and Large Red.

That's it for now - let's hope for a nice weekend. Have a good one wherever you are!

Recent Sightings Ham Wall - Extra!! 03.05.13

2013-05-03T15:27:59Z

It's been quite a month at Ham Wall, I'm sure you'll agree with so much to see. 118 Species recorded in April was pretty fantastic, let's hope this continues.

One of our volunteers Paul Marsh popped into the office to give me some info for my Friday Blog - just a few minutes too late though, so here's some extra news from today.

18 Cranes were seen flying over the Car Park earlier today. They have been seen on at least 4 days this week out over the local reserves - great to see.

Also, from the 2nd platform the return of our Oystercatcher of last week, seen again today along with some Common Sandpipers. They have been seen a fair bit recently, including on the small rafts floating in Waltons as pictured below:

A brief visit to Long Drove this afternoon saw an abundance of Mute Swans c100 as there have been all winter and a selection of ducks and some well grown Coot chicks with adults. Some of the brambled edges are a good place to spot Linnets too - they've beenseen there this week:

On the way back through the reserve a female Marsh Harrier was hunting over the Emery's section, the last section on the left beyond the second viewing platform - opposite the newly restored area.

Enjoy the bank holiday everybody - a good chance to get out and see the reserve - there's plenty to see!!

Species List for RSPB Ham Wall - April 2013

2013-05-03T12:45:00Z

Here's the full bird list for Ham Wall for April 2013:

Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Hen Harrier, Red Kite, Osprey, Hobby, Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cranes, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, White Fronted Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Ring necked Duck, Smew, Pintail, Garganey, Wood Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pied Billed Grebe, Water Rail, Lapwing, Snipe, Black Tailed Godwit, Redshank, Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Whimbrel, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black Winged Stilt, Oystercatcher, Kingfisher, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Little Gull, Common Tern, Black Tern, Sandwich Tern, Whiskered Tern, Arctic Tern, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, House Sparrow, Starling, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Treecreeper, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Pied Flycatcher, Brambling, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Tit, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Raven, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collard Dove, Pheasant, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swift, Cuckoo.

TOTAL: 119

Wow! What a month I'm sure you'll agree.

Please let me know if there's anything you think I've missed and I'll add it to the list or you could always post your sightings from your visits on the forum.

Other notable non avian sightings include:

Large Mammals: Otter, Roe Deer.

Butterflies: Peacock, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White.

Other: Grass Snake, Slow Worm.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 03.05.2013

2013-05-03T09:31:00Z

Another great week nearly over, with once again plenty to report. The wonderful weather and the amazing variety of birds on show at Ham Wall & Shapwick Heath has proved to be a big draw for visitors and we have been very busy all week. The new car park for Ham Wall (work should begin in August) can't come soon enough as the current one shared with Natural England fills up quickly each day.

One of the highlights of the week had to be the pair of Black Winged Stilts which were seen on Saturday from the 2nd platform. They stayed for a while but as I understand it they weren't seen again after Saturday. A few lucky people were able to catch sight of these great looking birds - unmistakable when you see them. Joe Cockram managed to get a couple of distant shots of the birds and has sent this one on to me - thanks Joe!

The second viewing platform continues to throw up all kinds of nice surprises and 2 Wood Sandpipers also popped in on Saturday and spend most of their time on the ridge towards the back or right at the back on the far bank near an entranceway. They can be hard to see so a scope is a must - they were still there yesterday from what I've heard and perhaps as many as 3 were seen on Wednesday.

Garganey continue to be spotted from here too but perhaps the best views can be had of a drake bird in front of the 1st platform who seems quite content to sit out in the open. The Pied Billed Grebe is still present at the same location and can be heard calling most days. He seems to spend a lot of his time towards the right of the platform in the reedy area there.

Great numbers of Whimbrel have been seen every day this week - usually in front of the second platform or just behind. They have been seen taking to the air on a few occasions each day if disturbed in some way. Varying numbers reported between around 20 to as many as 48. A Yellow Wagtail was also reported amongst them at one point.

Other highlights from the second platform include: a single Wigeon still present on Thursday, Dunlin, Common Tern briefly on Thursday and Redshank (Redshank can also be seen from the 1st platform) and a pair of Red Crested Pochard yesterday (I haven't been out to the reserve today yet so I couldn't say if they are still present)

The re-opening of the Loxtons path to the screen brought immediate results with a drake Ring Necked Duck presnent. This is likely to be the one we had on site just a few weeks back - now we know where he's been hiding. He spends much of his time in the reedy area to the right of the screen. Present too are a fair helping of Tufted Duck and Pochards. A Bittern or 2 boom quite close to the screen at times too, which is nice. Most of the Loxtons Trail is open but you still cannot complete the loop as one stretch still remains very wet. It's improving though and we will keep monitoring the situation and open it up when we think it's passable and safe. Bitterns too seen daily, with 3 seen together from the 1st platform on Monday and distant from the second platform on Thursday and several single sightings at various locations.

Ring necked duck

The extra visitors and variety of wildlife has created a real buzz on the local reserves but that's not the only thing buzzing. There have been huge numbers of flying insects over the reserve this week - great news for birds, particularly the hirundines. Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows have all been seen this week along with Swifts of course all dining out on the bounty of insects. Hobbys too are seen daily catching insects on the wing - 5 were reported over Loxtons yesterday and I saw at least 2 together from the 1st platform at lunchtime yesterday. They are best known for catching dragonflies - the first of which should be emerging at any time. The first to appear on Ham Wall usually would be the Hairy Dragonfly - so keep you eyes open.

Butterflies too seem to be enjoying the sunshine: Peacock, Orange Tip, Green Veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood & Brimstone have all been seen this week.

Other non avian species of note this week include; Roe Deer seen around Waltons, A Grass Snake swimming and then climbing the bank edge at Tinneys. a Buzzard carrying a second Grass Snake also at Tinneys, 2 Slow Worms under a tin sheet around Loxtons and a big increase in calling Marsh Frogs over the last week.

Back to the birds and another highlight has been the frequent visits to Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath of the Cranes (well at least flying over). 8 were reported at Ham Wall last weekend, 7 on Tuesday and at least 1 yesterday - often flying high so it's worth studying the sky from time to time. Another bird flying high yesterday had some of us scratching our heads at the 1st viewing platform. A bird of prey with a white rump and black wing tips and some streaking underneath - it's either male Hen Harrier of a Montagues Harrier - we convinced ourselves of the latter but it was very high and so can't be 100% sure.

Other highlights this week include: A Peregrine seen on Sunday disturbing the ducks from the 2nd platform, Varying numbers of Godwits in front of the 1st platform (30+ often), Great Crested Grebes seen catching fish in Loxtons, A Wood Warbler heard along the boardwalk (under the shelter and along) at the car park on Weds, Great White Egrets daily, Grasshopper Warbler heard reeling along from the 2nd platform towards Sharpham on Thurs, more Garden Warblers heard singing, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Cuckoos seen and heard, Redpolls seen and heard, Marsh Harrier daily, 2 Shelduck seen in the mud at Garleys - the newly restored area and Bullfinches seen along the rail path between the Bridge and 1st platform.

Steve Hughes our Site Manager also had a nice experience whilst out on the reserve yesterday evening. Just as it was getting dark he was able to watch an Otter feeding and jumping in and out of the water under the bridge from the rail track on Ham Wall. It then saw him and swam off down the drain towards Long Drove. What a treat!

That's it for now. Have a great Bank Holiday Weekend!

Ham Wall Eel Ladder

2013-04-30T15:34:00Z

You may have seen an article in the latest 'Birds' magazine (RSPB Members magazine) about the Eel pass on Ham Wall. We trialled it 2 seasons ago and had it in between April and September last year with great success. Eels have suffered over the years through over fishing and the fact that many suitable wetland areas have become isolated from the main river systems through man's intervention.

Here in the Avalon Marshes the land was drained long ago and replaced with a complex system of ditches (known locally as Rhynes). Some of these such as the main drain running through Ham Wall have high sides making it extremely difficult for eels (particularly the smaller eels) to exit and find suitable areas where they can grow to maturity. The eel ladder is an ingenious yet simple solution.

Provided by the Environment Agency, the Eel pass (or eel ladder), consists of a series of chutes and a long pipe.

At the point where you can see the funnel a hose pipe runs water (overnight only on a timer) so that it flows in both directions. To the right of the picture the shafts run along and down into the main drain.

Inside are a series of brush like bristles. These enable the eels to climb up against the flow of water (it's more of a trickle really) - hence the eel ladder. The eels are attracted to enter the pass because they can sense the chemical differences in the water from our site which is flowing into the main drain.

The water is also running the opposite way through the black pipe and into Ham Wall.

The pipe runs to a small drain of our own, so we catch the eels in a basket at the other end so we can release them into preferred areas.

The result is this! Not only are we providing a good clean habitat for eels to grow and mature, some will also provide a good source of food for birds such as Bitterns and Great White Egrets. Once they have matured which can take a number of years, they will then take the long trip back to the Sargasso Sea (where they first hatched) to spawn.

Cuckoo Quest Walks at Ham Wall - 10th & 24th May

2013-04-29T14:55:19Z

Explore the reserve with the Ham Wall Wardens in search of the enigmatic Cuckoo. It's call is one of the most instantly recognisable of all bird calls but a sighting can often prove elusive. Cuckoos used to be widespread in the countryside but have suffered from a 45% population drop between 1970 & 2005.

We do however get good numbers annually on the reserve, thanks mainly to the large numbers of Reed Warblers that spend the summers here - these are one of the Cuckoos preferred hosts, who's nests they use to lay their eggs. So you are always in with a good chance of a sighting on Ham Wall.

The 2 dates for the walk are as follows:

Fri 10th May 10am - 12 noon.

Fri 24th May 10am-12 noon

The walks are free - donations gratefully accepted.

Call the Ham Wall Office on (01458) 860494 for further details

Bitterns in Hot Pursuit - Ham Wall

2013-04-29T08:42:29Z

Drop into Ham Wall on Thursdays in May and join the Wardens to watch Bitterns take to the air to perform their exciting aerial courtship displays. May is the best month at Ham Wall to catch sight of this often secretive bird. Several males are still booming on the reserve (at least 8) and by now the first females should be making flights to and from nests to feed young. It's also a month in which several birds can be seen together at the same time, chasing each other in flight.

Usually this would be males chasing females but males could also be chasing each other off their territories too. 2 or 3 birds together is not unusual but last week 4 were seen together and in previous years 5 or 6 birds have been seen. We'll have to go some way to beat the 12 seen in the Marshes earlier this month - that must of been quite a sight. We can't make promises you will see that kind of phenomenon but there's a good chance of a sighting of some sort.

Staff and volunteers will be on hand between 10am and 3pm on the 1st platform to answer questions and help you track down this often elusive bird (every Thursday in May).

For further information ring the office on 01458 860494

This is a free event and no booking is necessary.

Loxtons screen re-open at Ham Wall

2013-04-26T15:31:13Z

The Loxtons path and screen at Ham Wall have been closed for months now due to the high rainfall of last year. Some bank work has been done to prevent a repeat of this and there may be more to come in the future but we were left with some very wet trails - over wellington height at one point. Well, things have subsided a lot lately with the drier spells we have been experiencing and levels are creeping down. The path to the screen was still very soggy in one section but we wanted to get it back open.

We have this week laid some cut reed bundles in the wettest area to allow access back to the screen and have now re-opened this part of the trail. You will find however that one small section of the trail has had to remain closed so you will not yet be able to complete the loop. There's still a good 6 inches of water in some places and it can be pretty soft but it's pleasing to finally get the screen re-open at least. For your own safety please do not go past the barrier tape and attempt to walk the closed piece of path. Thanks.

Reed bundles spread along the path. Photo: Pete Hayns

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 26.04.2013

2013-04-26T12:53:00Z

Another bumper week of sightings on the reserve this week, with yet again plenty to report. In fact one of our volunteers and local birdwatcher Joe Cockram got over 90 species from Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath on his visits to the reserves on Monday. That's pretty impressive and shows just how well the local nature reserves are doing at the moment - something to be proud of.

The spring migration has of course continued this week with more birds pouring into the country and the reserve. Swifts were very much more noticeable this week with good numbers around on the reserve yesterday, instead of just the one or two we had previously. Reed Warblers and Blackcaps seem particularly numerous but the supporting cast of Sedge Warblers (one most obvious behind the 2nd viewing platform - the Loxtons side), Garden Warbler, Whitethroats, Willow Warblers & Chiffchaffs. The rail path, as usual, provides a great selection of these and more, with a selection of tits and finches, along with Goldcrests to keep visitors interested. Add to this the occassional Siskin (some seen on Sunday 21st), Bullfinches, Great Spotted Woodpecker and numerous sightings of Redpoll and you creating quite a list. Groups of up to 40 Redpolls have been noted this week, many in stunning summer plumage.

Of course within the reedbed and along its edges Cettis Warblers seem too to be numerous. Often just heard rather than seen, this week and indeed this time of year is very different. Frequently birds have been perching up on scrub calling and establishing territories and offering fantastic views. It's the best time of year to grab yourself a good sighting. A grasshopper Warbler too has been heard again this week but an earlier start is probably required to hear its reeling song.

Like last week the 2nd viewing platform has turned up trumps - particularly for the variety of waders, but also ducks, terns and wagtails. The Pied Billed Grebe is still present and often heard calling. It still makes the odd appearance but doesn't seem to follow any particular pattern - so a bit of luck and patience could be required. While you wait however there's usually plenty of other good stuff to keep you occupied. Last weekend saw a single Whimbrel pop in and on Monday 3 Avocets. 3 Dunlin have been seen on a few days this week but are probably swapping between Ham Wall & Shapwick Heath. Another 3 was the 3 Little Ringed Plovers seen on Thursday this week. The same day (and this morning ) saw 2 Wood Sandpipers and up to 3 Redshank this week too. Others waders this week include: Common Sandpipers daily along with Lapwing (displaying) Snipe and Black Tailed Godwit.

Black Tailed Godwits

The following brief history is of two Black-tailed Godwits that were using LL to roost and in some cases to forage. ( Information through the University of East Anglia )

N		O+BG	05-Sep-10	Farlington Marshes LNR, Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth, Hampshire, S England
S		O+BG	04-Oct-10	Emsworth Harbour, Chichester Harbour, Hampshire, S England
S		O+BG	22-Oct-10	Emsworth Harbour, Chichester Harbour, Hampshire, S England
S		O+BG	02-Nov-10	Emsworth Harbour, Chichester Harbour, Hampshire, S England
S		O+BG	19-Nov-10	Emsworth Harbour, Chichester Harbour, Hampshire, S England
S		O+BG	23-Nov-10	Emsworth Harbour, Chichester Harbour, Hampshire, S England
S		O+BG	30-Dec-10	Reserve Naturelle de Beauguillot, Sainte Marie du Mont, near Carentan, Manche, Normandy, N France
S		O+BG	13-Jan-11	Reserve Naturelle de Beauguillot, Sainte Marie du Mont, near Carentan, Manche, Normandy, N France
S		O+BG	17-Jan-11	Reserve Naturelle de Beauguillot, Sainte Marie du Mont, near Carentan, Manche, Normandy, N France
S		O+BG	25-Jan-11	Reserve Naturelle de Beauguillot, Sainte Marie du Mont, near Carentan, Manche, Normandy, N France
S		O+BG	12-Mar-11	Reserve Naturelle de Beauguillot, Sainte Marie du Mont, near Carentan, Manche, Normandy, N France
S	?	O+BG	20-Apr-13	Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset Levels, W Englan

S	YR YRY	30-Aug-12	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	08-Oct-12	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	10-Dec-12	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	17-Dec-12	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	03-Jan-13	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	31-Jan-13	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	21-Mar-13	Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	23-Mar-13	Exminster Marshes, Exe Estuary, Exeter, Devon, SW England
S	YR YRY	16-Apr-13	Ham Wall RSPB reserve, Somerset Levels

Thanks to John Crispin for the info!

In terms of Terns it's been great too. Arctic Terns continue to use the local reserves, with 3 seen from the 2nd platform on a number of occasions and a lovely Whiskered Tern for a while on Monday and the previous day a Sandwich Tern was spotted. Today has seen 2 Black Terns using the area.

For ducks, along with our usual suspects up to 5 Garganey (with 4 males -one pictured below and one female) have been seen here daily, giving great views for the public out in the open. 2 Shelduck have been seen on more than one occasion too.

Garganey - male

Also in this area this week has been: A single Oystercatcher - someway inland - on Mon, Tues and Weds this week, up to 5 White Wagtails sen daily, 3 Yellow Wagtails seen yesterday and at the weekend a Little gull used the area.

Little Gull

Elsewhere on the reserve Marsh Harriers are being seen on a daily basis from the 1st platform both in front and sometimes behind within Waltons. Great White Egrets seem less obvious than they have been but they have been seen dropping into Waltons and a ringed bird using the open area in front of the 1st platform.

Biterns continue to boom and there has been an increase in activity - with more flights and multiple birds being seen flying together (possibly males chasing females. Up to 4 birds were seen close to Loxtons on Thursday. The following sequence from John Crispin shows 4 shots taken over 15 seconds of a bird dropping into the reedbed before almost disappearing. It's amazing how they can blend into their surroundings.

Also this week: 2 Ravens seen flying over the Sharpham end of the reserve, several Hobbys seen at several locations, 2 Barn Owls seen sitting outside the box opposite the 1st viewing platform on Monday, Kingfishers seen at Loxtons, Waltons and the next section the left past the 2nd viewing platform, a pair of Stonechats seen on the north of the reserve and several Cuckoos seen and heard around the reserve.

Cuckoo

Also, not surprisngly this week, the warmer weather has brought out more butterflies. Brimstone, Green Veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Peacock and Speckled Wood have all ben reported over the last few days.

Have a great Weekend!!

Recent Sightings extra - RSPB Ham Wall 19.04.2013

2013-04-19T14:32:29Z

Here's a couple of late submissions (photos by John Crispin) for this week, which I though were well worth sharing. Thanks John.

An Arctic Tern checks out our Tern Raft. (taken this morning)

Common Sandpiper on one of the small rafts in Waltons (also taken this morning)

When I said it's been a good week I thought I'd quickly add up the number of different species I'd seen or had reported to me this week and it totalled 94 different species - pretty good I thought and there maybe 1 or 2 that I've missed.

Also forgot to mention that a Redhead Smew dropped into the area in front of the 2nd viewing platform on Wednesday.

Bye for now!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 19.04.2013

2013-04-19T14:05:00Z

Spring has finally sprung for good this week and what a week it's been on the reserve, with an awful lot to report.

The warmer weather of the last week to 10 days has made an amazing difference to the reserve. There are warblers galore along the treelines of the old rail path and the reedbeds are beginning to come to life with the chattering of Reed Warblers. Blackcaps now seem to be here in abundance and Willow Warblers too can be heard from several locations, often obliging and perching up on the tops of trees for a good sighting. One did exactly this in the car park this morning.

Cettis Warblers too have been easier to see over the last few days. As usual, they are very audible but can be seen perching up on bushes and trees as they try to establish their territories - it's probably the best time of year to grab a good sighting. Whitethroats too are coming in, with several heard singing today often from scrubby areas and bramble bushes. During the week one perched up in brambles by the 1st platform and this morning one showed itself extremely well by the disabled parking bays by the Waltons screens.

Whitethroat

As well as the Reed Warblers, a few Sedge Warblers are present on the reserve. One in particular was behind the 2nd platform today (on the Loxtons side) and spotted by a few people. A Grasshopper Warbler too has been heard on a few occasions this week (in Waltons at one point for sure). To hear them, earlier in the morning is your best chance. They have a great song (very distinctive), sounding a bit like a fishing reel. One or two Garden Warblers have been found too (one by the Waltons entrance on Wednesday).

Grasshopper Warbler

Of course as well as the warblers, huge numbers of hirundines passed through earlier in the week (in their hundreds). Large groups of Swallows and Sand Martins and to a slightly lesser extent House Martins have been taking advantage of the large numbers of flies which have been present. Good feeding after such a long journey.

The odd Swift (seen on Monday by a volunteer) has made it through already too, although as yet I haven't seen one myself but I was pleased to see 2 Hobbys over Waltons this morning (my first of the season). I had a good morning all round this morning. Not only was the weather fantastic but the reserve was busy with visitors as well as a host of birdlife - so great to see. I had my first Cuckoo of the season too (calling only - heard from the car park). Several individuals have been seen and heard this week and there were at least 3 separate birds seen on Ham Wall on Tuesday this week.

It's not just these birds on the move - a host of different wading birds have been noted throughout the week too. From the 2nd platform on Monday: Snipe x2, Ruff, Dunlin, Lapwing and Common Sandpiper were all recorded. The Lapwing have been displaying here for the last few days, which is great to see. The Ruff and Dunlin, I don't think have been seen again but Common Sandpipers have been showing well within Waltons. They have been perched on the small floating rafts and were there again this morning offering fantastic views from the screens and the rail path. Redshank have also been seen/heard in this area this week and in a very wet field just beyond the reedbed from the 1st platform in the area known as Broomfields.

Common Sandpiper

Black Tailed Godwits have again been an almost permanent fixture in front of the 1st platform this week with anything between 20 and 40 there most days. There's a good mix of birds in full breeding and immature plumage.

You may think this sounds like a good week but we are nowhere near finished yet. Having put out our tern raft last week we were eagerly awaiting a passage of terns through the local reserves. We didn't have to wait long as good numbers came through early in the week on Shapwick, but this morning on Ham Wall 2 Arctic Terns were seen sitting on the raft (a little hopeful to think they might breed here - perhaps a little too far south). They flitted about over Waltons for some time today. There were large numbers being reported from Shapwick however 20+, which peeved me a bit until I heard that we too had 20 birds over at Long Drove just south of Waltons where a windpump can be seen from the rail bridge). 2 Common Terns (what we are really after) were also seen at Tinneys (on the Sharpham Road) this morning. Lets hope they drift over to Waltons slightly and like what they see.

The 2nd viewing platform is still proving a hit with visitors and birds alike. The Pied Billed Grebe is still present, it was seen yesterday (18th Apr) calling and swimming close in, disappearing into the reeds on the right (seems to be a favoured area). A Little Gull was seen for the 2nd week running here on Monday evening and a Yellow Wagtail was seen towards the back of this area on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday were 3 Garganey (2 Drakes & 1 female) - they were there again this morning showing well along with 2 drake Pintails. More distantly from the 2nd platform Great White Egrets have been seen on a few occassions this week.

Also this week: plenty of Booming Bitterns being heard and several sightings (the first platform still offers the best views), Marsh Harrier sightings on a daily basis (2 different males), a Wheatear within Waltons on Tuesday, 2 Greylag geese last weekend, occasional Sparrowhawk sightings throughout the week, 2 Redpoll this morning along the rail path heard actually singing, Pied Flycatcher seen by Street Heath perched in trees and dropping down to feed in mud cleaned out from the ditches (on Monday) and close by near Emerys/Garleys 4 Bullfinches reported, an Osprey seen quite briefly by at least 2 people in area in front of 1st platform on Thursday and 9 Whimbrels seen flying up from 2nd platform area going east.

Whimbrel

Well, what a fantastic week on the reserve, I'll think you'll agree. I don't want to get greedy but lets see if we can beat it next week.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Will it be a Tern up for the books?

2013-04-17T15:06:19Z

You may have noticed a new raft floating in Waltons this week. It is a temporary Tern Raft made out of our pontoon blocks. We use this throughout the winter to build bridges to access the reedbed to undertake management work. This time of year the habitat management work ceases to make way for breeding birds, keeping disturbance to a minimum. To save these from lying redundant for a few months we've had the idea of using them to build this tern raft. At the end of the season we can easily dismantle it and bring it back in.

You may remember we tried something similar last year in front of the 1st platform but it was never really suitable with the design we had. Well, this year it's back - bigger and better - with a new improved design. We've got much lower sides - hopefully still predator proof and it's around 3 or 4 times bigger. It's around 16 feet square and took around a ton and a half of pea gravel (on which terns will hopefully nest). The gravel mimics the preferred nesting conditions terns prefer and the floating island offers security.

Here's some action shots of the preparation and launch:

Pete H, Jon and myself prepare the moorings, whilst the rest get to work on the raft.

Ray the Warden and Fred discuss 'tactics' (or maybe just gossiping)

Fred 'in action'

Fred & Reg cut the Terram sheet to size

There are still a fair few 'Shovelors' out on the reserve at the moment. Reg and Carl spread the shingle.

'The Team' prepare the finishing touches.

Ready for launch. "it's not exactly like punting on The Cam, but close"

It's all going very smoothly - like a well oiled machine.

Almost there, but I think we'll give the Dragon Boat racing a miss this year!

The raft is tied in position. Pete Wood talks to me nicely, after all, they all need a lift back to shore.

It's all in position now and it's a waiting game. Terns are coming through with Common Terns (and Arctic Terns) seen at Shapwick over the weekend. Let's hope they find it appealing. Let us know if you see anything interesting happening.