Wednesday 13th April 2022 - Chew Valley Lake

 This week’s walk was a day later than usual due to the weather, we were planning a trip to Lansdown to look for Wheatear but as it was so wet and Wednesday gave us another chance to get out we decided to visit Chew Valley Lake we thought it would still be to wet underfoot to go to Lansdown. On the drive to Chew we noted Rooks in the rookery at The Globe and Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon and Jackdaw as we went along. At Bishops Sutton our first House Martins of the year were circling the pub and a Magpie was also seen. At Herriotts on the pond were, Mute Swan, Mallard Coot, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Canada Goose, Black Headed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Lesser Black Back Gull, Herring Gull, and Pintail. We chatted to Chris Craig who was checking out the gull flock and found 2 birds with the characteristics of Baltic Gull, these being slightly smaller and having a darker back than LBB Gull and to me it appeared the bill was much cleaner and colorful. On the main lake we added Goldeneye to our list of ducks. While scanning the lake we could hear one or more Willow Warblers calling and while looking for them we spotted a pair of Reed Buntings and Bryan found a female Brambling but we were unable to find the Willow Warblers and this continued all day with lots of birds heard but none seen. Walking back to the car a Cormorant flew over and Tufted Ducks were on the lake. Our next stop was Herons Green on arrival 2 Stock Doves flew over. Nothing of note on the main lake as the bay was full of fishermen but on the pool David spotted a duck sleeping on the bank and it was obvious what it was even asleep a Garganey a first for many years. As we watched it woke swam across the pond and joined a second bird both being males.

Garganey-CVL(Bath Birdwatcher

2 Little Grebe were also there. Next stop was Woodford Lodge where we had to renew our permits which allows as to visit the hides. Driving in a Blackbird flew across the road and a Kestrel was seen sitting in a tree, 2 Pied Wagtail on the restaurant roof was the last new sighting here. Next stop Moreton where Robin, Blue Tit, Jay, and Pheasant were soon logged and in the flood on the field to the right a Raven was drinking which flew off joining a second bird. After parking the car we walked towards the hide and on the way found Chaffinch, Goldcrest and Long Tailed Tit plus many Sand Martins, a calling Blackcap and 2 male Blackcaps were added to the days total. The hide was pretty much devoid of any birds so it was back to the car where a Wren was spotted, and as we drove back to the main road a Great Tit flew in front of the car. Next stop Stratford here we had lunch in the car park and while eating a Grey Heron flew over the only one we saw all day. While eating lunch Chris came out of the hide and told us a Lesser Scaup was with all the Tufties so without any waiting we went to the hide but no sign of the duck. We were told it disappeared behind the reeds to our right but would reappear and true to his word out came a Lesser Scaup in the company of the Tufties, a great sighting as this is only the second time I have seen this bird.

Lesser Scaup(LH Bird) Bath Birdwatcher

While in the hide 3 Little Egrets flew past. Back at the car park a Red Kite drifted over. Next stop was the picnic area but nothing extra was seen so it was picnic area no2 for a walk around the Bittern Trail here I saw my 1st Orange Tip butterfly of the year, we also added Buzzard, Dunnock and Goldfinch being our final sightings of the day which proved to be an excellent day with 5 year ticks seen.