Tuesday 9th January 2024 - Chew Valley Lake

 

Picnic area from the Woodford Lodge to Dam footpath - (Bath Birdwatcher)

Today the 3 Amigos only had a few hours to spend birding and as the weather was freezing cold Chew Valley Lake was chosen as the main area can be covered in a morning.

Arriving at Herriotts our first stop we immediately saw Mute Swan and Coot even before we got out of the car, when we did we scanned around and found 13 Shelduck which I thought was a large number for here. Also found were Teal, Pochard, Black Headed Gull and Mallard. As we walked along the dam wall a single Lapwing flew up and away, we also logged Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Canada Goose, Cormorant and Tufted Duck. On the main lake we added Blue Tit, Herring Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Buzzard and Moorhen. Next stop Stratford and from the carpark we spotted a Coal Tit and a few Redwings. Walking along the lane a Dunnock and Robin was on the ground in front of us and a Great Tit flew along the hedgerow. A Grey Heron was creeping through the reedbed on our right. We then visited the hide but found nothing new for the day so back to the car, and in the carpark we added Grey Wagtail, Magpie, Long Tailed Tit,  Song Thrush Chaffinch and Wren. Herons Green was the next stop but it was so cold and windy we didn’t get out of the car but still added Great Black Back Gull and Great White Egret to the days total. A Little Grebe was on the pond. On to the Lodge for a walk to the Dam. Here we added Woodpigeon, Jay, Bullfinch and Common Gull. The Waxwing and Firecrest were seen here during the day but did not show for us.

Song Thrush - Chew (Bath Birdwatcher)


 

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