Trip reports

Shapwick and Westhay - where were we??!!

Sunday, 26 September 2010

In preparation for the big day I visited the area on Saturday 18 September. On entry to Shapwick it was noticeable that the warbers present in May were largely missing except for a few cetti's. As I approached the first set of reeds a big brown bird flew up and down too quickly for me to get my bins focused. Could it have been the bittern? A large number of birds were visible on the first large pond to the right of the path. A quick scan revealed godwits, lapwing, shoveler, greenshank and both little and great egret which allowed direct comparison of these birds. While admiring the great egret, that big brown bird took off again affording a good view and confirmation of a bittern.
A quick check on Mere Heath, 70 Acres and Noah's hides did not reveal much other than cormorants and great crested grebes. A visit to Westhay was also disappointing with only mute swans, great crested grebes and a family of long tailed tits seen.

On Sunday 26th the weather was set fine with a bright sunny day with a stiff coldish wind. Arriving early I checked out Ham Wall as a possible substitute for Westhay and returned to the car park to await the mass of birders, due to arrive at 10 o'clock. By 10:45 it was evident that for the first time (as far as I am aware) no one had turned up. Having checked the date, time and location on the programme card, I made a mental note to check the use by date on my deodorant on return home. Undaunted I set out to check what we would have seen. In addition to that found on the previous Saturday, a green sandpiper, snipe and kingfisher were seen. The bittern also made brief visit and I was told that I had missed an otter by 10 minutes. As I made my way back to the car park, I noticed a diving duck on its own in a small area of water. I could not immediately recognise this bird but noting its plumage I confirmed later when I got home that it was a first year male scaup.

Mike Hawken