Bath Birdwatcher

  David and Tony today visited Slimbridge as over the weekend Whooper Swan and Little Stint had been reported. Both would have been year ticks. I didn’t start logging species until we got into the grounds and walking to the Peng Observatory Greylag Goose, Coot and Moorhen were our 1 st three sightings. From the Peng lots of wildfowl were seen including Shelduck, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Bewick’s Swan, Mallard and Teal. While we were looking out something put up a huge cloud of waders including many hundreds of Lapwings and Golden Plover along with smaller numbers of Dunlin. A Carrion Crow was by the water and a Redshank was on an island on the lower pond, a Mute Swan and Canada Goose were in the duck trap and a few Pintails were scattered around the bank. A small flock of Starlings and a few Jackdaws and Rooks flew over. Moving on to Martin Smith hide Wigeon were on the bank in front of the hide. Wigeon - Slimbridge (Bath Birdwatcher) Shoveler were also seen and on the Tack Piece w...

  For this week’s trip out, it was again just 2 Amigos and likely to be for many weeks until Bryan is not only better but feels up to it. Chew Valley Lake was chosen as a few good birds had been reported during the last week and they would be year ticks for me. We set off at the usual time heading for Herriotts and whilst in transit noted Magpie, Buzzard and Carrion Crow. On arrival the 1 st thing that struck me was the lack of birds on the pool Mute Swans sticking out being white against the dark colour of the water. Once out of the car searching with binoculars we added Mallard, Shelduck and a Great White Egret the 1 st of many we were to come across during the day. Also found were Teal, Tufted Duck, Pintail a Grey Wagtail and a Moorhen. David then spotted a Marsh Harrier gliding over the reed bed where it disturbed a Grey Heron that quickly flew off. Ravens made their presence known by calling as they flew over, we also saw a Woodpigeon in flight Cormorants have become very co...

  Most of you probably know that the 3 Amigos will temporarily down to 2 David and Tony as Bryan will be unavailable for a while, Best wishes to you Brov and get well soon. This week we paid another visit to Newton St Loe as Hawfinches had been found there this week, this being the first time since 2017/18 when the country had the last big influx of these birds. We parked by the farm shop and set off towards the church spotting Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Woodpigeon and Robin as we walked. In the field beyond the church Jackdaw and Lesser Black Back Gull flew over and a Buzzard was found sat on a post. Walking down to the road several Rooks flew over as did a Mistle Thrush. Towards the cottages a Blackbird was in a garden and a small flock of Stock Doves flew past. Goldfinch, Blue Great and Coal Tits were all in and out of the feeders, and as we walked closer a Dunnock flew away. Walking down the footpath we added Nuthatch and Goldcrest and as went down butterfly alley a Grey...