A mixture of sun and cloud for a walk around Ham Wall and not a bad temperature as well. There seemed to be loads of small birds coming and going flitting here and there probably celebrating a period of no rain after the previous days deluge!
The reeds at Tor View hide have been cut and from here we had a stunning close view of a Water Rail. A few Kingfishers whizzed by and perched once or twice for seconds on the branch in front of the hide. Several Martins and Swifts overhead no doubt heading for a warmer climate and a Marsh Harrier hunted low over the reeds. We also had good views of Sedge, Reed and Cettis Warblers from the hide.
Not much to report from the Avalon hide so our walk took us on past the screens eventually onto the path leading to Sharpham. Good numbers of Peacock, Red Admiral, S. Tortoiseshell and GateKeeper butterflies along the way most feeding off the Hemp Agrimony. Great Egrets, Marsh Harriers and Sparrowhawk were seen at various points across the reserve.
Back at the pond area by the carpark there were Common Darter and Emperor Dragonflies on the wing. On our way home driving across Tealham Moor we spotted a Marsh Harrier, the first time we have seen one here. Another wonderful morning spent on the levels but you can tell that Autumn is well and truly in the air!
The Rail starts to squeal!
Reed Warbler, there seemed to be plenty of juveniles flying in and out of the reeds
Nature!
