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Recent sightings

• 25 May 2012

  Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 25.05.2012

  What a scorcher of a week and probably a welcome relief for some of the birds and indeed visitors on the reserve. The hot weather has brought the visitors out in force, of course coupled with the news that the Great White Egrets are nesting at neighbouring Shapwick Heath. The Egrets can be seen daily at Ham Wall and often spend time feeding in front of the 1st viewing platform offering great views.

  The first platform, quite convieniently, is still one of the best places on the reserve to see Bitterns and Thursday was particularly good for our 'Bitterns in Hot Persuit' Event (and indeed a couple were seen in hot persuit - so it did exactly what it said on the tin - always a bonus).

  The best sighting of the week had to be 4 White Storks which flew high over Ham Wall on Thursday lunchtime (I missed them by minutes unfortunately) and they continued over Shapwick Heath also. 4 were seen again today at Shapwick Heath although very distant and flying away from the reserve.

  Also on Thursday a Peregrine flew across Waltons and last weekend one was seen distantly during a guided walk. Thursday proved good for birds of Prey in general with Sparrowhawk seen on several occasions along with good numbers of Hobby, Buzzard and a Kestrel in the last section on the left of the rail path. Marsh Harriers have been a daily occurrence with a stunning looking male sen on a few  occasions as well as a juvenile male today and female several times throughout the week.

  Good views of Hobby can be had around Loxtons and from the 1st platform, no doubt welcoming the emergence of hundreds of 4 spotted chaser dragonflies. These can be seen in fantastic numbers around the Waltons Trail - particularly the back path.

  

  Wednesday morning saw a Red Kite flying over the reserve and I've has a further report today of one flying over our office & workshop at the Avalon Marshes Centre.

  Cuckoos seem to be here in good numbers (Reed Warblers beware) and can be picked up all round the reserve but trees, particularly dead ones around Loxtons trail seem to be a hotspot. Good increase in Kingfisher activity this week. Seen from both viewing platforms, Waltons and Loxtons on several occasions. Successful fishing observed in front of the Loxtons screen.

  Large gathering of Mute Swans at Long Drove (a seperate compartment  beyond the back of Waltons) with 60+ seen on Monday along with 6 Canada Geese and 6 Greylags.

  The Osprey looks to have finally move on after an 11 day stay. It was last seen on Tuesday at Shapwick. The same can be said of the Short Eared Owls which have finally decided to move on - no observations reported for around 10 days or more.

  Also this week: Weasel ran across the track by the 1st platform on Weds, Great Spotted Woodpecker seen drumming on Thurs, Common Tern from Loxtons screen also on Thurs, Green Woodpecker seen last weekend and heard this morning from 1st woodland on footpath side of drain, Good views of Goldcrest along the railway line trees (as well as great bird song from a great variety of species), Jays on several occasions, 16 Black Tailed Godwits on Sunday (20th), Lapwing & Redshank.

  Spotted flycatchers seen on several occasions this week. Great shot here from John Crispin:

  

  Thanks for reading. Enjoy a lovely sunny weekend. A Trip to Ham Wall could be just the ticket!

   

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 25 May 2012

  Great White Egrets Nesting in The Avalon Marshes

  This press release fron Natural England went out to the media this week:

  Natural England confirmed today that the great white egret - a species of heron - has nested for the first time in Britain. The nest site - at Shapwick Heath, Natural England's National Nature Reserve in Somerset - is being monitored by staff and volunteers from Natural England, the RSPB and Somerset Ornithological Society. Activity on the site strongly suggests that the birds may already have young and in the next few weeks, Natural England hopes to be able confirm that the nest contains chicks and that Britain can welcome a new species to its list of breeding birds.

  The great white egret is more usually found in mainland Europe, but in recent years, there have been increased sightings of these elegant birds in England, a small number of which have been visiting the reedbeds and wetlands of the Avalon Marshes. Until now, none of these visitors have nested and there is growing excitement that this summer could see the beginning of a growing trend. The female bird was ringed as a nestling in May 2009 in Besne, in France, and records show she travelled to Lancashire, Wales and Gloucestershire before visiting the Somerset Levels for the first time in April 2010. She has stayed in the region ever since and managed to cope with two relatively cold British winters.

  Local birdwatchers spotted nesting activity on the Shapwick Heath Reserve in early April this year and alerted the Somerset Ornithological Society, Natural England and the RSPB. The three organisations immediately established a 24 hour nest watch operation with volunteers, who have currently clocked up over 1000 hours of nest-watching time. This ensured the birds were not disturbed whilst they completed their nest, concealed deep in the reed beds. This species tends to return to the same nest site each year, so it is hoped that this pair will be pioneers and that a colony of great white egrets will become established on the Avalon Marshes.

  Simon Clarke, Reserve Manager for Shapwick Heath said; "This is hugely exciting and we've been keeping everything crossed and a close eye on the nest since the signs of nesting activity were first noticed last month. In the last few years, we've been carrying out a lot of work to improve the reserve's reedbeds for bitterns and otters - but it seems great white egrets have also appreciated the work we've done.

  Tony Whitehead speaking for the RSPB said: "This is another major step forward for nature conservation, and the RSPB is delighted to be working alongside NE and the Somerset Ornithological Society to protect these pioneering birds as they breed for the first time. "The Avalon Marshes are a wonderful example of landscape scale conservation, where partnership working has produced one of Western Europe's largest and best wetlands. Places such as these are vital in providing valuable space for newly colonising species as well as safeguarding populations of vulnerable birds such as bittern. And the really exciting thing is now predicting what's going to turn up next - it's the sort of place where anything's possible"

  Simon added; "Despite the appalling weather conditions over much of this period for wardens and birds alike, these egrets have shown extreme diligence in tending the nest site. Although chicks have not yet been seen, a significant change in behaviour has been noted which suggests we may soon have some very demanding new additions to the Reserve!"

   RSPB and Natural England have set up a recorded information line for people to keep up to date with the birds progress and details on visiting the reserve to view the birds. The number is 07866 554142. Visitors to Shapwick Heath are welcome but parking is very limited. Therefore, in order to avoid disturbance to local residents, visitors are asked to park at the Avalon Marshes Centre, Westhay, BA6 9TT, where you will find directions to the Great Egret Watch.

  

  

  What fantastic news. Of course Shapwick Heath is our neighbouring site and so the Great Whites are seen frequently feeding over at Ham Wall (see photos above), often fron the first viewing area! Both sites are packed with wildlife so why not visit them as a pair and see the full array of wildlife the Avalon Marshes has to offer.

   

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 18 May 2012

  Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 18.05.2012

  The highlight of the week has got to be the Osprey. It was first seen last Saturday (12th) and has been hanging around Ham Wall even until today. The area in front of the 2nd platform it's favourite spot (a scope best for a good sighting if settled). It has been seen circling, hovering and making dives for fish with success as captured by John Crispin:

  

  Opsrey with fish.

  For more shots see the other of today's blogs about the Osprey!

  Last weekend saw some other great sightings on the reserve. Last Friday (11th) a Glossy Ibis was seen at Meare Heath on Shapwick and it flew towards Ham Wall where it was seen on 2 occasions. Saturday turned up 5 Cranes flying high over the reserve with another single bird which flew low in front of the 1st viewing platform on the Sunday (13th). The same day from the 1st platform 4 bitterns were seen flying and interacting together on at least 2 occasions. This area still seems to be the best for a sighting although there are other signs of birds becoming more active around the reserve (possibly females feeding young). Another bird was seen today perched up on top of the reeds at the far end of Loxtons close to the railway path.

  Good numbers of Hobby were noted last weekend and today 10 or 11 seen from the rail bridge. They were flying low along the main drain running away from the bridge catching emerging flies - possibly Mayfly or some dragonflies (a few 4 spotted chasers have been seen today) Also from this point 2 Jays flew back and forth and a pair of Blackcaps catching flies for a nearby nest. Numbers of Swift are still quite good but well down on the hundreds of last week as they have passed through headed for their breeding grounds. The same is true of Swallows and House Martins with just a few seen today.

  Marsh Harriers are still a daily occurence - especially the sub adult male and a female seen from the first and second viewing platforms today.

  2 Kestrels were seen mating in the last area on the left as you walk through the reserve (something you don't see every day) and it was in this area that a group on a guided walk saw 2 Short eared Owls (same as last week).

  Cuckoo sightings are still good by both sight and sound and the reedbeds are alive with Reed Warblers, Cettis Warblers a few Sedge Warbler and good numbers of singing male Reed Buntings. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard 'reeling' in the area in front of the 2nd platform on Weds (but not today as I walked by with a guided walk - typical (the Osprey was at Shapwick at this point too for a double whammy of disappointment - although they had great views of bitterns)

  Great White Egrets are feeding on Ham Wall daily with 2 in Waltons on Tuesday in front of the last screen - great views therefore from the rail track also. One seen today on the walk but 3 flew over Westhay Village near our office at about 14.30 today.

  The railway line trees again were good today with blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrests, Treecreeper, Goldfinches,Chaffinches, Song Thrush and a host of others all singing beautifully and showing well. Whitethroats still well visible in brambles opposite the 1st platform.

  Also this week: young fox in the woodland in front of the first platform and a few Roe Deer, Great Crested Grebes with young in both Loxtons and in front of the 1st platform and nestin in Waltons, Little Grebes, Little Egrets, Sparrowhawk & Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

  Have a great weekend!

   

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 18 May 2012

  Osprey at Ham Wall

  Just thought I'd post a few pictures of the Osprey which has been hanging around Ham Wall for the best part of a week now. It spends a lot of its time perched on top of one of our "Bittern High Seats" which we use to gain some height during the monitoring of Bitterns. This seat is visible from the second viewing platform. It was also seen on another high seat in front of the first viewing platform on Tuesday afternoon - maybe it wants to volunteer for some Bittern surveying.

  It's been seen out hunting and catching fish on several occasions. Thanks once again go to John Crispin for some great photos:

  

  Gone Fishing!

  

  Dinner is served! On the "High Seat" with fish.

  

  Success! Flying with what looks like a Rudd (or could be Roach - It's not me who's the fish expert)

  

  Don't you just love the British Weather! Osprey enjoying "Sunny Somerset"

  UPDATE 15:45pm

  The bird was seen this morning in the same area at 7.10am hovering but did not make a strike. It then flew off towards Shapwick Heath where it was seen in front of Noahs Hide for much of the day. But at 15:15 today it was back in front of the 2nd platform again. circling, hovering and making several dives for fish. It eventually settled back on the usual seat - maybe to enjoy a meal - but was too distant to tell.

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 11 May 2012

  Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 11.05.2012

  Well it's still raining most days and it must be having a bit of an effect on some of our breeding birds, but hopefully it will ease off and get back to normal (although in May that normally means some rain anyway).

  Bitterns are still booming however undeterred and some sightings have been seen. The best vantage point at the moment being the first viewing platform, where on several occasions 2 birds have been seen together flying and calling and 3 together on one occasion. Plenty of single sightings too from this area - sometimes you just have to be patient though.

  One of the best sightings of the last week has got to be the very handsome male Whinchat which was seen last Saturday (5th) opposite the 1st viewing platform perched in the brambles. This is the same set of brambles where some of the best sightings of Whitethroat can be had. He was present for some time on Saturday and showed really well and was picked up the next day too in the same place - no more reports since however.

  Another great sighting this week was of a Short Eared Owl - still present towards the far end of the site - the one this morning being in the area in front of the 2nd viewing platform. On Weds in this area a Cuckoo was perched in a willow in full view calling for at least half an hour. Several other Cuckoo sightings this week - often of pairs flying together.

  Cranes were again seen in the area on several occasions this week. The fact that Aller Moor one of their usual roost sights has been quite flooded may give some explanation of the rise in sightings in this area. In fact, it has been reported that a few Cranes have roosted close to the reserve on occasions by flooded fields in the last week or so. 3 Cranes were reported flying over Ham Wall headed south on Tuesday morning while about an hour or so later 9 were seen over the reserve car park.

  Swifts have been on the reserve in abundance again this week with hundreds seen feeding along with great numbers of House Martins & Swallows. Hobbys too are now quite visible - especially when the sun shines (yes, it has been shining from time to time). 6 were reported last Saturday and around 13 on Sunday but most days good sightings can be had and today was no exception.

  Ray Summers the Warden had a great view of Sparrowhawk this morning as he cycled into work along the railway line. It was sat on the railings of the bridge that crosses into Loxtons and gave him a good stare as he went past. Kestrels too have been seen this week at both ends of the reserve and there are always plenty of Buzzards. Marsh Harriers too are a daily visitor with both female and a sub adult male spotted regularly. The female spends a lot of time hunting over the north of the reserve and can often be seen from the 1st platform.

  Also this week: Skylarks on the land adjacent to Tinneys Ground on the Sharpham road (always nice to hear), Great Crested Grebes with 3 young swimming behind in front of Loxtons screen and nesting in Waltons, Bulfinch close to the 1st platform, plenty of reed Warblers and a few Sedge Warblers, Blackcaps, Song Thrush, Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers and Chiffchaff all singing along the railway line in trees, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Roe Deer in the 1st wood on the footpath side of the reserve, Marsh Frogs calling from Waltons & Loxtons, Tree creeper heard along the railway line track close to Loxtons and daily views of both Great White & Little Egrets.

  Dragonflies/Damselflies seen this week: Hairy Dragonfly, Blue tailed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Variable Damselfly Azure Damselfly & one of my favourites Banded Demoiselle (I'll try and get some photos of these for a future blog).

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 4 May 2012

  Recent sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 04.05.2012

  Despite the huge amounts of rain we've been having over the last couple of weeks the reserve has managed to stay above water apart from a few puddles along the trails and there is quite a lot to report. Last Friday (27th April), discovered too late for last weeks blog, an Osprey flew from Ham Wall towards Shapwick Heath in the early morning (7am) and on Thursday 26th April 3 Whimbrel flew in front of the 1st viewing platform - thanks to Tony Rogers for reporting this and sending a couple of pictures. Last weekend saw 5 Black tailed Godwits flying over the reserve and a pair of Water Rails with 7 young reported by our Information Volunteer on the first platform. Great White Egret was also spotted feeding in front of the 1st platform and have also been seen every day this week from both platforms.

  One of the big WOW factors of the week has been the numbers of Swifts flying and feeding on the reserve every day this week - easily in their hundreds. They are joined also by great numbers of Swallows & House Martins and a few Sand Martins too. On Thursday morning a volunteer was lucky enough too witness a Sparrowhawk taking one of the House Martins over in Waltons section. Hobby too are present and more obvious this week, particularly when the sun is shining (although a rare thing at the moment). Wednesday in particular saw a lot of activity by Hobbys all day with as many as 6 seen at one time. Another of our migrants, the Cuckoo, has also been seen & heard on several occasions this week with 2 seen chasing each other by the first wood on the left as you enter the reserve. The first platform and around the Loxtons trail seem to be the best places to pick them up at present.

  A single Short Eared Owl has been seen towards the far end of the reserve several times this week, including this morning, but late on Thursday a visitor was watching 2 together in the last section on the left of the reserve towards Sharpham. Marsh Harriers too are being seen daily, both male (inc a juvenile) and female. The female was showing particularly well on Weds from the first viewing platform, where she seemed to hunt for long periods throughout the day.

  A Grasshopper Warbler (and quite possibly two) has been heard at at least 3 different locations on Thursday & Friday this week. Thursday in Loxtons & on the north of the reserve and today in front of the second platform. I was able to watch him for some time perching up and 'reeling' for quite long periods.

  

  Bitterns are still booming well at Ham Wall with at least 11 individual boomers identified on Ham Wall over the last couple of days. Sightings are happening but not in abundance. The first platform once again the best bet with 2 or 3 birds seen flying together on 3 or 4 occasions this week. A single bird was also seen on the cut island in front of the screen at Loxtons on Tuesday morning but it soon sloped of into the standing reed.

  Great Crested Grebes have been seen with young in at least 2 locations (within Waltons & in front of the Loxtons screen), with adults carrying their stripey youngsters on their backs.

  

  Also seen this week in terms of birds: Kingfisher from the railway bridge, small numbers of lapwing flying over, 2 Redshank flying past the 1st platform on Weds, Green Woodpecker heard on both Weds & Thurs, Great Spotted Woodpecker most days, Raven on both Weds (landed in Waltons) & Thurs, Bullfinch on the rail track, Curlew flew over Loxtons on Thursday and Shelducks dropped into Loxtons also, plenty of Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Garden Warblers, a Peregrine flying over Loxtons on Thursday and Kestrel seen over the last section on the left towards Sharpham end on Thursday and twice this morning.

  

  Plenty of mammals have been seen this week too: Roe deer around the back of Waltons on Monday, a fox from the second viewing platfrom on Weds, a baby Badger on the rail track at the Sharpham end on Thursday, Stoat on the railway path near Loxtons also on Thursday, Rabbits, Grey Squirrel and a field vole hiding under a metal sheet meant for reptiles.

  Also under the metal sheet was a slow worm and grass snake was seen swimming across the main drain on Weds. Marsh Frogs very vocal, particularly on Weds in the sun.

  Dragonflies/Damselflies: Hairy Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Azure damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly.

  Butterflies: Green veined White, Large White, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral.

  PHEW! I think that's enough for now. Have a Great Bank Holiday Weekend!

   

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 1 May 2012

  RSPB Ham Wall Species list for April 2012

  Here's the full bird list for Ham Wall for April 2012:

  Short Eared Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Whimbrel, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Blue-Winged Teal, Shoveler, Australian Shoveler, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Garganey, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Water Rail, Lapwing, Snipe, Black-Tailed Godwit, Redshank, Kingfisher, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, House Sparrow, Starling, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Linnet, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Cuckoo, Pied Wagtail, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Reed Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Bearded Tit, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swift, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Raven, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collard Dove, Pheasant.

  TOTAL: 92

  Let me Know if there's anything you think I've missed and I'll add it on. There could be something, you never know!

  Other notable non avian sightings include:

  Butterflies: Red Admiral, Peacock, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Small White.

  Dragonflies/damselflies: Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly

  Otter, Stoat, Weasel & Roe Deer

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 27 April 2012

  Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall 27.04.2012

  Hi All, well it's been another pretty miserable week as far as the weather goes but it's not been an uneventful week on the reserve. There are plenty of warblers out on the reserve to keep people occupied, with as usual, the railway path tree line proving very fruitful, with a good number of Blackcaps in particular being seen and heard. Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers too are making their presence known and there has been an increase in the numbers of Garden Warblers being picked up too. Whitethroats too, are as usual, quite conspicuous, with good sightings to be had within the vicinity of the 1st platform.

  

  Other Summer migrants continue to come in and in particulat the Swift, with great numbers observed at times on the reserve this week - particularly the last few days. Groups of Sand Martins are also being seen with c20 seen on Tuesday along with some House Martins and a few Swift. Cuckoos are being heard every day and the odd one is being seen in flight too and one or two Hobbys are being picked up also including one form the 1st viewing platform this morning.

  Kingfishers have been sotted on several occasions this week, including one which flew over Loxtons on Monday and 4 flights on Thursday, 3 times on the north of the reserve and once carrying a fish close to the public areas. A brief sighting of an otter on the north of the reserve also was great to hear about and nearby a Stoat also the same day.

  

  Perhaps one of the most interesting sightins of the week was that of a Short Eared Owl hunting over the northern part of the reserve on Tuesday evening - this was seen by staff and a volunteer but could of been picked up from the 2nd viewing platform had a visitor been present. More good news on the owl front was a Tawny Owl which I saw on Tuesday morning peeping his head out of one of the new Tawny Owl boxes which we erected quite recently - I wrote about them in a previous blog - great to know they are being made use of!

  Good numbers again of Bearded Tits being seen and heard again 'pinging' at several locations, but unfortunately again these were all in non-access areas. A nice still, warm day along the footpath side of the reserve, probably the best bet at the moment for a sighting. Marsh Harriers are also being seen on pretty much a daily basis (male and female), with the 1st platform as good a place as any. This is also probably the best chance of Bittern activity as well. Twice this week, I have witnessed two birds chasing each other in this area and there have been several sightings of individuals also and still plenty of booming males to be heard.

  Also this week: Kestrel from 2nd platform on Tuesday, Great White Egrets seen most days, Snipe at several locations, Redshank seen on a few occasions including 2 last weekend from 1st platform, a pair of Bullfinches also last weekend at 1st platform, 3 Greylag geese seen on at least 2 occasions this week, 2 Shelduck in the north of the reserve but also picked up in Loxtons on Thursday, Song Thrushes singing well along the railway line, Jays, Roe deer in first wood on footpath on the other side of the main drain and Great Spotted Woodpecker seen flying over Loxtons.

  

  Dragonflies and Damselflies beginning to emerge this week. Hairy Dragonfly seen on a few occasions as well as Large Red Damselfly. Numbers will become far more abundant over next couple of weeks or so. Keep a good eye out for hundreds of 4 spotted chaser dragonflies which will emerge and fly around the Waltons Loop - particularly the back path.

   

   

  Posted by Stephen Couch

• 25 April 2012

  Bitterns in Hot Pursuit

  May is a great month to be watching Bitterns and Ham Wall has got to be one of the best sites to watch Bitterns in the country. So, every Thursday in May, staff and volunteers will be 'on hand' at the first viewing platform to show the public these great birds.

  In May Bitterns will still be booming but there's also a great chance of watching birds in flight. This could be either females flying to and from nests feeding young or birds chasing other birds. At one time last year up to 5 birds were seen in the air at the same time but 2 or 3 birds is quite common. Both yesterday and today 2 birds have been seen chasing each other in front of the first platform before landing together in the reeds. This is very much what we hope to be witnessing next month.

  So why not drop in anytime between 10am and 3pm on Thursday:  3rd, 10th, 17th,24th and 31st May and watch the bitterns take to the air to perform their exciting courtship displays.

  This is a free event. For further information call the Ham Wall office on: 01458 860494

  Here's some shots of what you could be lucky enough to see:

  

  

  

  Posted by Stephen Couch