Monday 20 March 2017

Ham Wall 15/3/16 Glossy Ibis, Bittern, Mating Harriers, Dancing Grebes

An incredibly dull, misty grey day for a visit to the Levels and not good for photography.   Once again an early start and we chose Ham Wall for a walk starting at the Tor view hide where we had a great view of the Glossy Ibis with some Snipe.
On to the Avalon hide where we stayed for some time and we were rewarded with great views of Bittern, mating Marsh Harriers, and a dance from the Great Crested Grebes. We were even able to see some Bearded Reedlings as they fed on the lower margins of the reeds.  Another Glossy Ibis? Flew into the middle of the reeds as well.  
On to Loxtons and as we approached the hide we spotted a Mink running up the path.  Bitterns were continuing to boom and Great Egrets were flying overhead quite frequently. A round the trees at Loxtons was a large group of Goldfinches and on closer inspection there were a good number of Redpoll.  Coming back to the first platform we had yet another view of a Bittern.  Several groups of Sand Martins were also seen from all over the reserve.
A brilliant birding day in incredibly dull and misty weather - just goes to show, its all out there if you look for it what ever the weather wildlife and nature still goes about its business.


   Glossy Ibis and Snipe

               




               
                  Bittern climbing to the top of the reeds


                
               
                  Suddenly the Bittern took flight


               
               
                  They danced! A little distant but wow, they danced


          
               



                
               




               




               
                   Male Marsh Harrier

    Looking good for future Harriers

                




               



               
                




                


   Off he goes
         

               


   Male and female Harriers - lovers tiff?


               




                
                   The second Ibis?

    Tigger impression - Great Egret

              


   Mink - not a favourite on a nature reserve

          
                




               
                  Redpoll, one of several in with a flock of Goldfinches


                
                
                    Bittern from the first platform

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