Tuesday 1st November 2022 - Chew Valley Lake

 

For the 3rd consecutive week, the 3 Amigos were down to 2 as David was unable to join us. Because the weather was looking a bit inclement, we decided that Chew was the place to visit as the hides provided a dry place to bird spot from. Heading off for our first stopping place at Herriotts we encountered Magpie, Jackdaw and Woodpigeon on the journey. At Herriot's the first thing we noticed was how much water was in the pool so much that it was overspilling all around the outlet so no chance of any waders where they had been seen for most of the summer. Some Ducks and Gulls were present including Mallard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Herring and Black Headed Gulls. Also seen were Mute Swan, Grey Wagtail and Teal. The main lake is still so low I cannot remember seeing it as low in over 40 years of visiting. In the channel were several Moorhens then Bryan spotted a fishing Kingfisher using a tree close to the road as its lookout point before diving to grab a prize. Out on the lake were Canada Geese, Great Black Back Gulls and Cormorants one with a particularly white belly much more so than the others. More ducks were then seen with large numbers of both Wigeon and Pintail.

Shoveler & Pintail - Bath Birdwatcher

A flock of 20+ Black Tailed Godwits some feeding, some sleeping was on the mud, we later from Stratford realize the numbers were closer to 50 birds. While scanning the lake we added Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Great White Egret and Lesser Black Back Gull to the day’s total.

Great White Egret - Bath Birdwatcher

Back at the pond 2 extra birds were found Shelduck and Gadwall. By now it had started to rain so we set off for Stratford Hide which proved to be a smart choice as not long after we got inside the heavens opened. Bird spotting was very good, and we soon added extra birds to our lists starting with a flock of small birds feeding on the ground between the hide and lake most were 100+ Linnets along with 20+ Meadow Pipits one bird was very much brighter than the rest with much whiter undersides but showed all the characteristics of Meadow Pipit.

Meadow Pipit - Bath Birdwatcher

 Out on the mud was a flock of Lapwing and while scanning with the telescope I found 2 Ringed Plover and a single Dunlin. Some Common Gulls were sat on a wall in the lake that had been a mill prior to the area being flooded to create the reservoir. A few Pied Wagtails were on the mud along with a single Ruff. A beautiful male Marsh Harrier flew over causing panic amongst the wildfowl. It was time to move on as lunch was calling but before leaving, we added Goldeneye to the day's sightings. As we walked back to the car park Blue Tit and Long Tailed Tit were both new day ticks, and at the car a Blackbird flew by, and a flock of Redwing flew over. We stopped in the lay-by at Herons Green for lunch and here we saw Yellow Legged Gull and Little Grebe. After lunch we headed for Moreton but only added a Jay to the list. Last stop picnic area 2 here just a Robin was extra for the day. On the drive back to Bath we added Rook and Red Kite, ending the day on 46 species.

 

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