After watching the starlings we spent the rest of the day wandering around Ham Wall and then walked over to Shapwick. On the way to the Avalon hide we had a lovely view of group of Roe deer. The Avalon hide itself was a little un productive except for a Pheasant and the usual Coot, Gadwall and a few Wigeon. Bearded Reedlings were seen and heard all around the hide.
The walk past the screens towards the second platform revealed Teal, Lapwings and other duck species. The path from the second platform back to the first platform is a great area for spotting the 'little' birds amongst the trees and undergrowth and here we saw several Goldcrests, Goldfinches, Dunnocks, Jays and a Treecreeper.
At the Tor View hide area we had great views of Bitterns, Marsh Harrier, Kingfishers and a couple of Sparrowhawks. The familiar sound of 'pinging' was heard and it wasn't long before we had closer views of some Beardies. Great to show them to other folk who had never seen Beardies before. Back at the first platform another star of the day showed the Glossy Ibis.
Walking down towards the Scrape on the Shapwick side we had a quick glimpse and fly by of a large group of Cattle Egrets. The Scrape itself is now flooded so no area for any waders. Just a few Tufted, and Gadwall plus a beautiful Great Egret here.
At Noah's hide good numbers of Wigeon and Coot are now assembling. The Kingfisher whizzed by many times and a massive Pike was entertaining us with its hunting skills.
Another brilliant day spent on the Levels all starting with the Starling dawn. 53 species of birds seen and 5 butterfly species Red Admiral, Comma, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood and even a Brimstone.
We really love the Levels!
Roe deer near the Avalon hide
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