Tuesday 16th August 2022 - Chew Valley Lake

 

The 3 Amigos were again down to 2 as David was at his caravan. As the weather has changed and wet weather and thunderstorms were forecast we decided that Chew was the best bet as its possible to spot from the car and from the bird hides. First stop Herriotts and on arrival first impressions were how low the water is, it’s been many years since I have seen the lake so low. On the pool a large island has appeared  and we knew from Avon Bird Sightings that a lot of wading birds were present but our first sightings were Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose and Moorhen.

Coot(Library picture) Bath Birdwatcher)

Telescopes were the order of the day to spot the waders and Green Sandpipers were the first seen in all there was 11 birds  along with possibly 30 Snipe a bird that usually likes to hide in reedbeds but here completely in the open enjoying the feeding opportunity. While scanning the waters edge around the island Teal, Lapwing and a Great Black Back Gull was found. Our next find was a bird that we were hoping to find as it was a year tick a Wood Sandpiper in fact 3 were present. Sand and House Martins were circling the water and a Black Headed Gull flew in. The island was covered with at least 30 and probably more Pied Wagtails and while looking at these I noticed some Ringed Plovers but Bryan said Little Ringed Plovers, we were looking at different birds in the end we identified 2 of each. A Kingfisher flew across the pool and landed on top of a dead branch that was poking out of the lake and a Woodpigeon flew by. Gadwall and Shoveler that were also noted we only saw 3 species of Duck all morning. 2 year ticks were the next birds we found the 1st was a Greenshank another wading bird, we found 2 in the end, and an adult Yellow Legged Gull sat on the top of a post. We crossed over the road to scan the main body of the lake where I found a small flock of Black Tailed Godwits on the far bank and Bryan pointed out Magpie, Grey Heron and Carrion Crows again on the far bank, Jackdaws were seen as we returned to the car and headed off to Stratford. From Stratford hide the view in front was blocked out by reeds so we had to look down the lake to our right here we logged Great White Egret, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier and another species of wader 6 or so Dunlin. Nothing more to add although Chris another birder in the hide heard a Whimbrel call but try as we might we were unable to find it. Time was getting on and as we had to be home for lunch we headed to Herons Green where Little Grebe on and Swallow flying over the small pond. Lesser Black Back Gull and Collared Dove ended the morning. We did well to go to Chew as it rained on and off all morning.

 

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