Tuesday 3rd June 2025 - Chew Valley Lake.

 

The 3 Amigos were back together and a visit to Chew Valley Lake was decided upon, and we took lunch so we could take our time getting around all the places we like to visit. I decided to wait until we arrived at Chew to start my days list but a Red Kite on the way had to be included. First stop Herriotts where a pair of Egyptian Geese with 3 goslings were seen. 

Egyptian Goose c/w goslings - Herriotts
(Bath Birdwatcher)

Mallard, Canada Goose and lots of Gadwall were also spotted. With all the dry weather the water level in the pool was low enough for lots of mud to be exposed and on the mud was a Ringed Plover (a year tick for me) and at least 3 Little Ringed Plovers along with several Pied Wagtails. In with the Gadwall, I found the male Garganey that has been here for several weeks. At the back of the pond was a few Mute Swans and a Grey Heron flew over from the main lake. A flock of gulls were on the exposed mud including Black Headed, Lesser Black Back, Herring and Great Black Back. While scanning with the telescope I found 3 Teal and a Great White Egret. A Carrion Crow and a Tufted Duck were also found with lots of Swifts flying overhead. We crossed to road to look over the main lake when a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew by and on the lake were Coot and Great Crested Grebe. Nothing new was about so we moved on to Stratford on the way adding Woodpigeon, Magpie, House Martin and Jackdaw to the list. Walking from the car park to the hide we could hear lots of bird calls mainly from juveniles and we spotted both Blue and Long Tailed Tits with young. From the hide things were very quiet but we did add Cormorant, Swallow and Grey Wagtail to the days total. Walking back to the car the birds were calling as loudly so we stopped to have a good look and besides the birds previously seen we also saw Chaffinch, Chiffchaff (again with young), Blackcap and Goldcrest, and from the car park a soaring Buzzard. Next port of call Moreton and driving in both Robin and Blackbird were on the road. The hide added nothing although walking along the lane we did add a Coal Tit. Time for lunch at Herons Green and driving out from Moreton a Song Thrush was on the road. While eating lunch Bryan found a Marsh Harrier flying over the trees and over the road where a second bird appeared and we think they were male and female. After lunch we crossed the road to look out over the pool where a Reed Bunting was calling from the top of a bush being buffeted by the wind, a Little Grebe was on the pool and back across the road, House Sparrows were on the dam. Last stop The Lodge here Bryan and Tony walked to the dam where we found several 7 Spot Ladybirds, 

7-Spot Ladybird (Bath Birdwatcher)

But adding nothing to the days bird list until we reached the dam where a female Goldeneye was sat on a wall with other ducks. David had walked back to get the car and picked us up at the dam and we drove into the picnic area so David could see the Goldeneye. A day that started wet but ended with sunshine, so it was enjoyed by all 3 of us.