We arrived at Ham Wall at around 8am to a cool breezy day with blue skies. Bitterns were booming and the bird song was almost deafening, The day ahead seemed full of promise!
Our walk took us up to the second platform and along to the Loxton Screen and back to the pond towards Tor hide. The Cuckoo was in full voice and we had a couple of sightings of a both a Cuckoo and a Bittern as well as a few Great White Egrets. A flock of 13 or so Whimbrel flew overhead a couple of times but did not settle. Great also to see the Hobbies return and the first Swifts of the year for us. Plenty of Whitethroat,Blackcaps, Cettis, and Reed Warblers present and also a single Garden Warbler singing away from a willow at Ham Wall. Marsh Harriers and Buzzards were also seen on both reserves.
On the scrape at Shapwick we had a great view if distant of a Wood Sandpiper and some Whimbrels. 48 species of birds seen today. Wow!
The first Dragonfly of the year the Hairy Dragonfly was seen both at Ham Wall and Shapwick a first for us plus some Blue Damselflies. Only a handful of butterflies around the Peacock, Green Viened White and Orange Tip. So much flora and fauna to be seen on the levels - can't wait to return.
Blackcap
Distant Cuckoo - singing away all morning, Spring has sprung!
Long Tailed Tit mid nest building
Female Orange Tip
Distant Wood Sandpiper on the 'Scrape'
Whimbrel and Redshank at the back of the 'Scrape'
Whimbrel and Little Egret
Whitethroat
'Singing' Whitethroat
Hairy Dragonfly
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