Somerset Wild Walks: Ham Wall early start 13/3/17 - Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Marsh Harrier, Ham Wall

Left home at 06:30 am and dawn was well under way. Our journey takes us across Mark Moor to Mark and then on to Burtle. Along this stretch this morning we were lucky to see a total of 5 Hares, 2 in one field 3 in another. Just a little too dark for photos, topper that we saw them.

So we arrived at Ham Wall to a nice day but a little cold. We did our usual walk in reverse taking the Tor view hide and screens first, going around Loxtons and Waltons ending up at the second platform. From the 2nd VP we walked on around to the Avalon hide and from the Avalon back to the car park at Ham Wall.

It seemed as though all the birds were singing for the joys of Spring, great to hear and see so many Chiffchaffs. Great views of Goldcrest and several Reed Buntings around the reserve as well as all the usual 'little' birds. From Avalon hide the Marsh Harriers were out and about over the reeds and a few Wigeon, Tufted and Gadwall out on the water. A hovering Buzzard was also see over the Avalon reed area, unusual to see it hover.

Good numbers of Sand Martins now coming through, great to see their return.

We took a stroll down the Shapwick side to Noah's hide. Nothing to mention on the scrape which is still flooded. At Noah's hide only mainly Wigeon at least a 1000 or more the most I have ever seen here. Not forgetting to mention the Goldeneye. Unfortunately Mere Hide was still closed so nothing to report from here.

All in all another good day on the levels with 54 bird species seen on another beautiful walk. Highlights inc Sand Martin, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Cettis Warbler, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lapwing, Snipe, Redpoll, Goldeneye.