Ham Wall

Wonderful Wetlands Day in Somerset - 29th June 2013

Stephen Couch — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:09:28 GMT

Wonderful Wetlands - Wonderful Willow & Wildlife Day!

This is a joint event between the Willow & Wetlands Centre, The Great Crane Project and the RSPB.

Join us for a fun family day!

Free Entry & many free activities including:

Willow Workshops, Wetland walks, Wildlife & Craft Activites for children, Great Crane Project film & information plus RSPB Wildlife Trailer Rides (Adults £3, children free)

Saturday 29th June 2013 10am - 4pm

At the Willow & Wetlands Centre, Stoke St Gregory, TA3 6HY

for further information go to:

www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

">www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk or call 01823 490249

or for event and Crane Info go to:

www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk

">www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk

Young Cranes released on the Levels pictured below:

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 14.06.2013

Stephen Couch — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:11:00 GMT

Not such a pleasant week for weather at the reserve but it's breeding season and there are hungry mouths to feed do there is still plenty to see on the reserve. Just like on Springwatch on BBC birds are beginning to fledge out on the reserve and plenty of juvemile birds are in evidence. In fact, in the willows to the left of the 1st platform this morning some young Whitethroats were sat waiting patiently for a parent bird to feed them - they duly obliged and gave some nice views.

Elsewhere, you can see Cygnets (1st platform & Waltons), Canada Geese with young (Garleys & 2nd platform) and plenty of young Coots (unfortunately they can occasionally be sen dangling underneath gulls or birds of prey - but that's natures way, I guess).

Great Crested Grebes too have young in a few locations on the reserve including the Waltons section where young grebes can often be seen riding on the backs of the parent birds. In Loxtons too, the now well grown youngster is still present (from the screen) but is left now for longer periods as the parent birds feed. They have also been seen displaying again with head shaking as the picture below shows.....

Runs across the water........

and plumage displays..........

always an interesting bird to watch.......

All the usual suspects are out on the reserve too with what appears to have been an increase in Bittern activity this last week. With the late spring I guess we shouldn't be too surprised about what seems to be later nesting than usual. Again the 1st platform and within Waltons are the best places for a sighting with the wide vista the platform provides. The Little Bittern too has been seen this week within Waltons. The news released this past week has attracted a few extra visitors. We have closed the Waltons trail as a result to reduce disturbance for these Schedule 1 birds (disturbing them is an offence). We ask that people respect the closure of the path and view the area from the rail path - which to be honest is probably a better vantage point anyway. Sightings are few and far between though but it is hoped that if breeding is happening for sure extra flights from parent birds to feed young will offer better opportunitie. This may not be for a couple more weeks or so any special tips to try and see this bird could be better planned for a slightly later date.

Whilst waiting for Little Bittern sightings there's a good chance of Kingfisher sightings too with several sightings each day, including 4 birds seen together on at least 2 occasions. This suggests successful breeding from our known nest site nearby.

Great White Egrets are being seen daily too with bird reported in Loxtons, Waltons and both viewing platforms this week. Other star birds of the past week include: a Red Kite which flew over last weekend, a Black Tern seen over Waltons on Monday afternoon and into the evening and a drake Ferruginous Duck seen from the 2nd viewing platform. This bird has a damaged eye which is the same as one seen recently at Chew Valley Lake - so almost certainly the same bird.

The second platform is still providing some good sightings, so worth the extra walk down. This week as many as 5 drake Garganey were reported, although they were in varying stages of moult so it may take a little longer with the ID's. In terms of Waders around 40 Lapwing dropped in on Tuesday, 1 Green Sandpiper on Wednesday along with a small group of Black Tailed Godwits and 2 Redshank on several occasions. Redshank have also been reported from the 1st platform this week.

Elsewhere this week: Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen in Garleys (the newly restored area) with an adult bird flying across frequently to a juvenile heard calling in amongst the mature trees, Kestrel also seen hovering at Garleys and Marsh Harriers reported in front of both viewing platforms. Within Loxtons in front of the screen good numbers of Cormorants can be seen perching on the large rafts. As many as 19 were seen on Monday. They are often an overlooked bird but John Crispin's photo shows some nice colours and shape of the bird.

Also this week: Still plenty of Buzzard activity with one well mobbed by crows over Loxtons on Thursday, 2 Shelduck again in Garleys, plenty of Swift over the reserve - particularly on Weds & Thurs, Cuckoo's calling and some good Hobby activity too with some nice aerial displays and acrobatics over Waltons and from the 1st platform on Friday. A Spotted Flycatcher was also reported along the rail path on Wednesday from the rail bridge - this has also been a good area (between the entrance and 1st platform) fro Bullfinch over the past few months - so worth taking some time along here (lots of Warblers to enjoy too).

Spotted Flycatcher

That's it for now - apologies for the later posting than usual! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 07.06.2013

Stephen Couch — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:01:00 GMT

Well, what a beautiful week on the reserve weather wise, with lovely hot days almost across the board. The downside is of course that activity in the main part of the day is a bit reduced but of course the early mornings can bring their rewards. This was the case this morning as local birder & volunteer Joe Cockram discovered this morning seeing 6 Bitterns circling together over the reserve - this was around dawn.

If you don't fancy quite such an early start, then there's still plenty on offer. Last Saturday saw a single Wood Sandpiper in front of the 2nd viewing platform - there have been as many as 3 in the past month and have been seen on both Ham Wall & Shapwick Heath - so they are using both sites. The area in front of the 2nd platform is still proving to be an interesting area with larger groups of duck now gathering here, with 40+ Gadwall and similar numbers of Mallard but also 3 Wigeon STILL present here (most unusual for us) and Garganey still showing well most days. Garganey have also been seen this week in the last open area on the left after the 2nd platform.

Opposite this is Garleys - the newly restored area. 2 Shelduck continue to reside in this area - they were sitting up on one of the banks this lunchtime with a couple of Mallards. Lapwings too have been in this area recently and 3 young appeared in here this week - great news. The adult birds were seen chasing away crows on Wednesday & today 3 youngsters were seen running down the railpath nearby with adults calling overhead so they may well have moved locations now. Hopefully, they will stay safe. Garleys has also had 2 pairs of Canada Geese with 8 young between them this week.

The area in front of the second platform has also attracted varying numbers of Black Tailed Godwits this week: 10 last weekend, c30 on Monday and as many as 47 on Wednesday. Lapwing too are present daily and a flock of 12 dropped in to join 2 already present on Tuesday morning. Redshank are also present daily (1 or 2).

One of the best sightings of the week has got to be a Purple Heron seen close to Waltons on Tuesday evening - this was an adult bird so was different to the one seen last Friday in Loxtons which was said to be a juvenile bird.

The 1st platform and Waltons still tend to be the best places for a sighting of Bittern , sometimes a little patience is required. Marsh Harriers too from the 1st platform with both Male & Female birds seen most days but particularly the male. Male and female birds were also seen from the 2nd platform on Weds.

One bird people often ask about is the Bearded Tit - they can prove quite elusive at Ham Wall - despite the fact that we know they are present in fairly good numbers. They tend to hang out on the non-access side of the reserve but can be seen from the footpath on the other side of the drain on occasions. If you are luck enough they can also be seen or heard from the first platform. This was the case on Wednesday when 2 birds were seen - one perching half way up the reeds and a 2nd flitting through the reed tops.

Male & Female Bearded Tits

Great Crested Grebes are busy on the reserve with a pair with young in Waltons - often with young riding on the parents backs, a pair with a well grown youngster in Loxtons near the screen, a pair at Long Drove and another pair in Waltons seen weed dancing this week. Kingfishers too seem to be doing well with a pair seen perched & feeding in Waltons by the screens this morning, usual sightings from the rail bridge, constant sightings from the Neales section (next to Garleys) and a pair at Long Drove too - always a popular bird for visitors. It's a good job the reserve has a healthy fish population with all these hungry mouths to feed.

Many birds, such as Herons & Bitterns of course, are happy to feed on a variety of things - frogs included and from the loud choruses coming from the pools, it seems that there is a healthy Marsh Frog population on the reserve again this year - many people are confused by the sound at first and cant place it - so if you're out for a visit and here something unusual (and in abundance) it's probably Marsh Frog.

Marsh Frog

Also this week: Several Cuckoos heard daily - often around Loxtons (trail now fully open - although a bit muddy), Hobbies daily again Waltons and Loxtons seem to be a good bet 4 seen on Wednesday, Green Woodpecker heard and then seen flying across Garleys, fledged Swallows seen at the Avalon Marshes Centre by our offices sat on telephone wires, Sedge Warbler perched up in full view in front of the 1st platform - good here too for Whitethroat sightings. Lots of other Warblers about particularly Reed Warbler, Blackcap & Cettis Warbler but also Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler (pictured).

Also thought I saw Treecreeper on Wednesday by the roadside on a piece of land we call Turners - it was very brief and I was driving at the time but I know they've been there in the past (often get them along the rail path close to Loxtons too.

Dragonflies on the increase now with great numbers of 4 spotted chaser around but also Black Tailed Skimmer, Broad Bodied Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly, Banded Demoiselle (along the banks of main drains usually), Blue tailed Damselfly, Red Eyed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly - all seen this week.

That's it for now - have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

Dazzling Dragonflies Walk at Ham Wall

Stephen Couch — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:25:32 GMT

Join me for a walk around Ham Wall reserve to take a look for Dragonflies, Damselflies, Butterflies and Birds at this bountiful time of year and learn more about their fascinating lives.

Friday 14th June 1.30-4pm

Please Contact the Ham Wall Office on (01458) 860494 to book your place

The walk is free of charge - donations accepted.

Brown Hawker

Female Black Tailed Skimmer

Species List for RSPB Ham Wall - May 2013

Stephen Couch — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:12:00 GMT

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 Bittern, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cranes, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Ring necked Duck, Garganey, Argentinian Lake Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pied Billed Grebe, Water Rail, Lapwing, Snipe, Black Tailed Godwit, Bar Tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Whimbrel, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Kingfisher, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Common Tern, Black 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, Spotted Flycatcher, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Stonechat, Linnet, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Treecreeper, 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: 108

Well, it was always going to be difficult to beat last months total but it's still a good total.

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, Small Copper. Red Admiral.

Dragonflies: Hairy Dragonfly, 4 Spotted Chaser, Black Tailed Skimmer, Broad Bodied Chaser, Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Blue Tailed Damselfly, Red Eyed Damselfly.

Other: Grass Snake, Slow Worm, Marsh Frogs.

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 31.05.2013

Stephen Couch — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:24:00 GMT

Apologies for the later blog than usual - I do aim for Friday afternoon but it's always possible. Friday was taken up with a visit from the Avalon Marshes Young Wardens. They were split into 2 groups for sessions on Otters and Water Voles. we talked about the animals themselves and then undertook some survey work looking for signs of their presence. We found signs for both - which was good but also found plenty of other interesting wildlife to talk about from Click Beetles and Damselflies to Cuckoos and Marsh Harriers. They all seemed to enjoy it and it was good to do something a little bit different to the norm.

Most of the migrating birds have reached their destinations but we have still been greeted by 100's of Swift throughout the week as well as a male Hen Harrier that flew over Shapwick on Friday. Spotted Flycatchers too are turning up - 1 or 2 have been spotted at the car park this week but can often be seen down the rail path. Once they have chosen a favourite perch they can be tracked down as they swoop out for a fly and return to their perch time after time.

Hobbies are still present on the local reserves with as many as 6 seen on Ham Wall on Wednesday. John Crispin managed to capture these shots (with some patience) of a Hobby closing in on its prey.

Hobby in flight!

Ready to pounce!

The area in front of the 2nd platform is not quite the hive of activity it was but is still producing some good sightings this week. 3 drake Garganey are being seen fairly consistently, with several reports this week (also with 1 female on Wednesday). 3 Wigeon too are still present, which is most unusual for us. Normally it's the Teal that hang on a bit later but even they seem to have all disappeared now. A pair of Shoveler are present here - seen on Thursday.

Varying numbers of Black Tailed Godwits have been reported this week - often 25-30 birds but as many as 60 were reported on Thursday (a Bar Tailed Godwit has also been seen amongst them so worth scanning the groups just in case). Other waders seen here this week include Lapwing and Redshank.

The first platform area and Waltons continue to be the best area for a Bittern sighting - several daily - although few obvious patterns are emerging that suggest females feeding young - we are hoping that everything is just a bit late this year. Great White Egrets too have been seen in these locations several times this week.

Marsh Harriers continue to show well from the 1st platform also with great views of both male & female on Friday afternoon and in fact a bittern came up to meet the female at one point for a minor dispute before landing just out of sight.

As mentioned in previous blogs, it's also a good place to catch a Barn Owl sighting from the box opposite. This week was no exception with Owls seen on Wednesday and also flying over Waltons. Tawny Owls were also heard calling from the woods opposite the 1st platform - again on Wednesday.

Lots of Dragonflies and Damselflies are emerging at this time of year and one we have in great abundance each year is the 4 Spotted Chaser - pictured below. Loxtons and Waltons are particularly good for these, which almost seem to swarm at their peak.

Other dragonflies include: Hairy Dragonfly, Broad Bodied Chaser and the possibility of Scarce Chaser. Damselflies include: Blue Tailed Damselfly, Red Eyed Damsefly, Azure Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly and now emerging Banded Demoiselle (always a favourite of mine).

Butterflies are not exactly abundant at the moment but several species have been recorded this week: Brimstone (pictured below), Green Veined White, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Orange Tip.

Brimstone

Also this week: 2 Cranes seen flying over the reserve last weekend (and bugling), Kingfisher seen from the rail bridge daily and within Waltons, Jays, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk from 2nd platform, Roe Deer around Waltons, Bullfinch on rail path trees on Friday and plenty of warblers. Garden Warblers close to the 1st platform with Blackcaps very close for comparison (on song). In fact within a 20m radius of here there are 7 warblers: Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler and Reed Warbler.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 24.05.2013

Stephen Couch — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:00 GMT

We've experienced a range of weather this week on the reserve with cold winds, calm sunny spells, rain & hail. It's confusing for us so imagine how it is for the resident wildlife, nest building, incubating eggs or rearing young.

It's been an interesting week again though with the tail end of the migration of birds still passing through the reserve. Great numbers of Swift have been seen on a daily basis this week often joined by Swallows and House Martins and a few Sand Martin. The area in front of the 2nd viewing platform was particularly active this morning with good numbers swooping low over the water catching flies.

Hobbies too, were seen in abundance over the weekend with 35+ reported from Shapwick Heath & 17+ from Ham Wall. The numbers have certainly dropped off though but they can still be seen daily. The large numbers have arrived just in time to co-incide with an emergence of 4 Spot Dragonflies and Damselflies (mostly Blue Tailed and Azure). Beyond Loxtons screen has been a good bet this week.

The tree line at Loxtons has been a good place for Cuckoos also although, alas, none were seen on the Cuckoo Quest walk this morning - there's no guarantees with this pesky wildlife. Cuckoos are still on site and can be heard daily if not seen - John Crispin captured this shot this week:

Waltons has yielded plenty of Great White Egret activity this week - must be a good feeding area here for them and Little Egrets seem abundant on the reserve this week. In front of the 3rd screen at Waltons is a favoured feeding site for at least one individual, who can frequently be seen feeding there. Grey Herons also enjoy feeding within Waltons so there must be a good fish population in here at present. Of course it's also packed with Marsh Frogs too - you can hear them croaking away. There's a great chorus - particularly when the sun is shining.

Sticking with the heron theme - Bitterns have certainly been more active this week and even showed for the BBC TV cameras this week as they broadcast live from Ham Wall after the launch of the State of Nature report which the RSPB have been heavily involved in. It was great to see the reserve on the national news. Catch it on BBC i-player (BBC 1 news on Wednesday at both 1pm and 6pm bulletins)

They have also been seen in interesting interactions with Marsh Harrier on a couple of occasions this week as seen below - see also previous blog!

Several flights have been seen in front of the 1st platform - 12 in about an hour and a half on Weds when the BBC filmed and Thursday too from several areas of the reserve - looks like feeding activity of hatched birds is picking up.

In front of the 2nd platform this week (bit quieter now) - 13 Black Tailed Godwits on Thurs (seen there today too), Redshank, Lapwing, Canada Geese with young, Great Crested Grebes, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Garganey - once again out in the open. One also flew in front of the 1st platform on Wednesday.

Loxtons screen is still open although the whole of Loxtons loop is still not. The last piece of flooded path is still just under water - just 2 or 3 inches now, but it's coming down slowly. In front of the screen a pair of Great Crested Grebes are proudly showing off their new addition, pictured below:

Also the usual hoards of Cormorants on the old tern rafts and a few Tufted Duck, Pochard but a nice regular booming Bittern nearby. A fair few flights from Bitterns too along with occasional visits from Great White Egrets too and Kingfisher seen perched up in front this week too.

Kingfisher was also seen on the Warbler Workout walk this week - which was pleasing. Several sightings facing left of the rail bridge as you enter the reserve. Several Warblers were identified during the walk - plenty of Blackcaps, Garden Warbler near the first platform for a nice comparison, nice loud Cettis Warblers and Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler by the main entrance and plenty of Reed Warblers in the reedbeds. Participants on the walk also heard Cuckoo and had good sightings of Jay.

Also this week: both Red Kite & Peregrine seen last weekend, 20 Greylag Geese flying over the reserve this afternoon, 2 Shelduck in Garleys (the newly restored area beyond the 2nd platform) most days this week, Bearded Tits heard pinging from a few locations around the reserve but unfortunately not in public access areas (the best bet would probably be to walk the grassy footpath that goes in front of the platforms on a sunny still day and keep your ears open), Great Spotted Woodpecker flying along the footpath this morning, Snipe from the top of the reserve, Buzzards and Sparrowhawk from 2nd platform.

I'll leave you with another shot of the Loxtons Great Crested Grebes - have a great weekend!

Everybody Needs Good Neighbours! Bittern v Marsh Harrier

Stephen Couch — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:56:50 GMT

We've had some great sightings of Bitterns and Marsh Harriers on the reserve lately - particularly from the 1st viewing platform. It would appear however, that they are not always as pleased to see each other.

A Bittern obviously came a little too close for the Marsh Harriers liking and was told about it in no uncertain terms. 2 Marsh Harriers dive bombed the Bittern and these shots were captured by John Crispin below:

Great Photos (thanks John) showing some really interesting behaviour - this happened on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week!

Reminder - Avalon Marshes Open Day - Sunday 26th May

Stephen Couch — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:49:08 GMT

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, Somerset BA6 9TT.

Everyone Welcome - Free Admission

Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 17.05.2013

Stephen Couch — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:21:00 GMT

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

Stephen Couch — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:25:36 GMT

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

Stephen Couch — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:50:55 GMT

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.

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

Stephen Couch — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:19:00 GMT

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

Stephen Couch — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:27:59 GMT

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

Stephen Couch — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT

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.