Tuesday 27th February 2024 - Chew Valley Lake.

 

This week’s birding trip was a return to Chew Valley Lake as our Bristol Water permits that give us access to the hides and free car parking in the picnic areas are due to run out at the end of the month. Heading for Herriotts we spotted a Red Kite, Buzzard, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon and Carrion Crow. On arrival before getting out of the car Mute Swan, Moorhen, Mallard and Coot were seen. As we set up the telescopes Tufted Duck, Black Headed, Common and Herring Gulls were all logged. As we scanned the pool Shelduck, Teal, Cormorant, Shoveler and Canada Goose were all day ticks. On the main lake we added Great Crested Grebe and a Chaffinch that was on the waters edge. Nothing extra seen here so we moved on to Stratford, and in the lane were Dunnock, Robin and Redwing. 

Redwing - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)
In the car park a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the top of a tree. At the feeders Coal, Blue and Great Tits were all seen plus Blackbird and Song Thrush. As we approached the hide a pair of Reed Buntings were feeding on reed heads. Once in the hide the lack of water birds was noticeable but we did manage to find a few Pochard close to the hide and a Great White Egret on the far side of the lake. A Lesser and Great Black Back Gull were loafing on the lake. We then noticed a flock of Starlings flying towards us and with that a Sparrowhawk flew into the flock and took one of the starlings taking it away in its talons. Nothing more was seen here so we moved on to Moreton, again not a lot too be seen but a Goldeneye was a day and year tick. 


Goldeneye - Chew (Bath Birdwatcher)

A Grey Heron flew over and  a Cetti’s Warbler called from in front of the hide and as I looked I saw it move over a small open area and back into cover, another day and year tick. The last sighting here was a fly over Raven found by David. Driving back to the road we found a mixed thrush flock so adding Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare to the days list. Next stop Woodford to buy our permits and also have lunch. While sitting in the car a Treecreeper showed very well moving from tree to tree. Long Tailed Tit was our next new sighting followed by a beautiful Firecrest by the start of the new cycle path another day and year tick, and a bird we have been here many times to try and find with no luck and we also saw it on our return.  We walked to the dam and added Collared Dove, Goldcrest, Magpie and Wren to the days total. Our next sighting was 2 female Goosander’s but nothing more up to the Dam. 

Goosander (f) -CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)
On the return a flock of  Goldfinch flew over, and Bryan found a female Bullfinch and on having a good look we found 3 all-female which was  very strange with not a male to be seen. Last stop was Herons Green and here we ended the day with another 4 day ticks, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Pied Wagtail and Stock Dove. A good day for species with 56 seen but a lack of waterbirds perhaps a sign they have moved to their breeding grounds.

 

Rabbit - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)

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