It felt almost Spring like on our trip to the Levels this morning. A bit cloudy and dull at times but it seemed all the birds were singing and active. We started at Ham Wall side and a walk along the muddy track (the bridge is still closed) to the new Avalon Hide. Along our way we are pretty sure we had our first glimpse of a Water Vole, it was just too quick to get a clear ID. From the Avalon Hide we walked onwards towards the second platform bridge where I suddenly caught a glimpse of a Glossy Ibis overhead. We watched as it sailed into the lagoon, take off and circle and then finally settle out of view! Wow what a view and tick! Great Egrets are quite active flying from reed bed to reed bed and we had some great views. Surprised to hear our first booming Bittern the boom being a little half hearted! A pair of Great Crested Grebes were seen displaying and they even dived for weed but no dance! Still some good numbers of ducks to be seen including a few Pochard on the Scrape Shapwick side.
A total of 39 species seen today including Marsh Harrier, Shoveller, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted, Gadwall, Bittern, Kingfisher, Cettis, Reed Bunting, Snipe & Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Spring was definitely in the air!
Glossy Ibis
Restless Ibis
Off again
Great Egret - the green breeding 'lores' can now be seen
Great Egret - potential nest site?
Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebes pairing up and displaying
A good display but no dance
Marsh Harrier and yes ..... Blue sky
On the hunt
Marsh Harrier a female or juvenile
