Tuesday 13th August 2024 - Chew Valley Lake.

Just David and Tony today and a half day birding trip, so Chew was the chosen site as a Caspian Gull had been seen there and would be a lifer for both of us. On the way we spotted Magpie and Collared Dove. Our first stop was Herriot's where the Caspian had been seen but we were out of luck as birders who were already there confirmed that it was not about, Mallard, Black Headed Gull, Coot Moorhen were soon logged also seen were at least 6 Green Sandpipers, and a single Common Sandpiper. Teal, Black Tailed Godwit, Herring Gull, Great Black Back Gull and Gadwall were also found. Then another birder shouted from over the road Ruddy Duck so we all went over, and on the main lake were 2 pair of them. Also seen on the lake were Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Cormorant, David spotted a Marsh Harrier on the far side of the lake followed by a Buzzard, Back on the lake were Canada Goose, Little and Great White Egret plus a Grey Heron, House Martins were flying over the reeds and a few Carrion Crows flew by. A flock of Mute Swans were accompanied by a single Black Swan this bird has been reported as being present for over a week. Time to move on to Stratford here we spotted Reed Warbler, Blackbird and Wood Pigeon. Next stop Moreton here were Lesser Black Back Gull and a Raven. Then David spotted a bird sat on a buoy way out on the lake, luckily I had my telescope and we were able to identify it as a Black Tern, While scanning the lake David found a small flock of about 10 large waders flying over the lake heading in a westerly direction but we were unable to be sure if whey were Curlew or Whimbrel but from a call we guessed Whimbrel but at the time decided that as we were unsure we would not count them. However reading Avon Birds daily report 10 Whimbrel were seen at a similar time flying in the same direction so bingo our thoughts were right Whimbrel it was. On the way back to the car a Great Tit was added to the days list. Next stop Herons Green and here Pied Wagtails were on the dam wall and over the pond Sand Martin and Swallows were seen with a Little Grebe on the pond. Back on the lake a small flock of Shoveler were on the far bank. And a Stock Dove was in the top of a tree.

Little Egret - Moreton (Bath Birdwatcher)


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