A very cold start and a mean North Easterly wind for our morning at Ham Wall though there were plenty of sunny spells to cheer the day. Most areas of water were frozen over and apart from Robins there weren't too many birds around until we reached the first platform. From the platform there were Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail, Tufted, Gadwall and a single Great Egret making the most of the unfrozen margins. Walking on towards the Avalon hide a Great and Little Egret along with some duck species were sheltering in a cut in the reeds. Nice to see the comparison in both Egrets. Plenty of duck species visible from the new screen and a single Stonechat along the path.
Once in the Avalon hide we were lucky to get a seat at the least windy corner. From here we had great views of 4 Marsh Harriers 1 Male and 3 female or juveniles. A couple of Bitterns were heard booming our first of the year. Not too much on the water only a few Pochard, Gadwall, Coot and a Great Crested Grebe flew in.
Walking back towards the first platform along the main track we spotted a Glossy Ibis that flew off in a North Easterly direction high in the sky. Also on a little reed island were a group of Black tailed Godwits. Our steps then took us toward Tor View Hide and the screens along the way. At Tor View hide itself we had great views of the Grebe pair perform their dance and another Marsh Harrier.
Plenty of Shoveler here mostly males trying to win over a female.
From one of the screens a pair of Kingfishers were racing and chasing up and down the channel, stopping now and again and almost seemed to be fighting. Great to see and observe.
As it was so bitingly cold we decided to head back to the car. As we approached the bridge 5 Cattle Egrets flew over. Counting a couple Grey Herons seen its not every day you see 5 heron species in one area in a day.
A wonderful if very cold few hours walking around Ham Wall. 39 species of birds seen with some displaying signs of Spring.......
No comments:
Post a Comment