Friday 29th July 2022 - Newton St Loe

 

Before I tell you about today’s walk I must fill you in about a pleasant surprise I had Tuesday tea time. I was looking out of the kitchen window looking at the House Sparrows and Goldfinches on the feeders when I noticed a bird I have not had in the garden since before the pandemic a lovely Greenfinch, then 2 and in the end a total 4. Even in the past to see a single bird was a highlight but 4 was outstanding, then the next day at the same time just 1 returned. Today no sign.

 

Ok today I visited Newton St Loe with my wife to meet one of her ex work colleagues they just wanted to chat but no not me a great excuse for a bird spot. We met at the church but I must say apart from a Lesser Black Back Gull, Woodpigeon and Goldfinch plus Green Veined White and Speckled Wood it was spookily quiet until Butterfly Alley here lots of butterflies flitting about mostly Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper plus a few very small Skippers but they just refused to stay still long enough to be identified. The bottom lake had just 3 Mallard with a flock of Long Tailed Tits in the bankside trees and a Blackbird that flew over the path. The top lake had much more going on but the mallard count of just 8 more was much lower than the last visit when c70 were seen but one female had a clutch of 10 very tiny ducklings. However a great count of 7 Coot, as far as I can remember my biggest count with also 8 Moorhen another good total. As we sat having a coffee a Red Kite flew over and a Raven called from the top of a tall fir tree but out of sight until it decided to fly off. Jackdaw and Carrion Crow flew over and a Kestrel was overhead being harassed by a Rook. We decided to walk around to the bridge over the stream before heading back. From the far corner of the dam the 2 Mute Swans could be seen under the trees.

Mute Swan-Bath Birdwatcher

A Little Grebe was in the middle of the lake and a Grey Wagtail flew up the lake. BUT the days highlight was a Little Grebe feeding to very tiny babies, this is as far as we know the 1st time these birds have breed at NSL, I was very excited to have witnessed this first hand.

Little Grebe (just visible through the reeds) Bath Birdwatcher 

 On the return to the car a Wren was in a bush and in a buddleia bush opposite send a cow were 5 Peacock, Comma and Large White Butterfly.  

Not a great mornings birding but knowing Little Grebe had breed at NSL more than made up for the lack of bird numbers.


Moorhen and chick- Bath Birdwatcher

Mute Swan-Newton St Loe
I like the reflections.




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