31st May 2022 - Somerset Levels

 

The trip out this week was the first time since the 9^th of May that the 3 Amigos had been able to get out together and we all decided to head for the Somerset Levels to try and find a Cuckoo that illuded us on our last visit. We set off at 9am and headed for Radstock where we had a short stop hoping for a Dipper that do inhabit the area but did not show on this occasion but we did see Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Wood and Feral Pigeon plus Blackbirds. Continuing on we added Jackdaw, Rook, Great Spotted Woodpecker (which flew down the road in front of the car), Herring and Lesser Black Back Gull and a Red Kite a bird that is becoming increasingly seen in this area. Collared Dove, House Sparrow and Magpie completed our in transit sightings on the way to Wells. Turning off of the B3139 we followed one of the VERY minor roads across the levels where Great White Egret, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Mute Swan and Song Thrush were all added to the days list. Our first port of call was Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve. On arrival it was coffee time and while drinking we noted quite a few Swifts flying above the reedbeds and a Coot swimming through the reeds. David spotted a bird of prey being mobbed by gulls which turned out to be another Red Kite, a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly flew past the first of many we saw during the day. We started our walk up Dagg’s Lane Drove where in the 1^st area of open water were a pair of Great Crested Grebe with one bird sat on a nest and as we watched a Grey Heron flew over. As we moved on a Cetti’s Warbler sang in the undergrowth and I wrote previously, after they sing they fly and this one did exactly that by flying across the drove in front of us. Our next sighting was a female Blackcap later we did see and hear several males. Reed Warblers had been singing constantly since our arrival but deep in the reeds but in this instance one showed very well allowing good views. We were watching Marsh Harriers when we saw a male with prey in its talons joined by the female and we were able the witness a midair food pass, how fantastic. Moorhen, Mallard and Reed Bunting were soon added to our lists, and while watching yet another flock of swifts we noticed the 2 or 3 House Martins were flying with them. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were our next sightings followed by 3 Cormorants sat on dead trees in the water. 3 more butterflies were next Red Admiral, Painted Lady and Speckled Wood. Blue Tit was our next new sighting followed by a singing Whitethroat. 

Whitethroat-Westhay(Bath Birdwatcher)

When we reached the bridge almost at the end of the drove Bryan spotted a few Canada Geese. At this point we turn back to the car park. All morning we were hearing 2 Cuckoo’s calling but keeping well hidden but as we walked back David spotted one in flight followed by a second and we think they were a pair. That proved to be our final sightings of the morning so we set off for Ham Wall. Here we used the picnic tables to have lunch and while eating a Greenfinch and several Goldfinch sat on the wires singing and a Hobby flew over eating a dragonfly it had caught and a 3^rd Red Kite drifted past. A Chiffchaff appeared from a bush close to where we were sitting and a Brimstone and Orange Tip butterflies were seen. After lunch we headed for the 1^st viewing area and as we crossed over the bridge David pointed out a swimming Grass Snake, a Jay flew across in front of us and a Hairy Hawker dragonfly was on the path here we noted that one of its wings had been broken so it was unable to fly. A Great Tit was seen in a bush as we were watching another male Blackcap. At the viewpoint Lapwing, Tufted Duck and Shoveler were seen a Willow Warbler was our next new sighting as we headed towards the Avalon Hide.  Little Grebe, Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Pochard and Redshank were all logged as we walked to the hide. From the hide we added Black Headed Gull and Little Egret. In the hide were 3 photographers and one announced that a Bittern was flying and it very kindly flew over the open water in front of us before disappearing in the reeds. Walking back to the car on the bridge where we saw the snake a Fox was lying in the grass and as we watched it moved off. The last sighting of the day was a Kestrel which brought our days list to 58 species.

Mute Swan with cygnets-Westhay(Bath Birdwatcher)