Tuesday 5th August 2025 - Chew Valley Lake

 

A very low CVL from Herons Green (Bath Birdwatcher)

The 3 Amigos were back together for this week’s field trip and it was decided that we would go to Chew Valley Lake as the last visit was wat back on the 10th of June. On the way we saw Woodpigeons and House Sparrows. Our 1st stop was Herriotts and the 1st bird there was a small flock of Canada Geese on the pond along with Mallard, Coot and Mute Swan. The island is now overgrown making it hard to see any birds on or over the far side but we did see Common Sandpiper, Lapwing and 2 Egret species Little and Great White. David spotted Swifts circling overhead accompanied by a few House Martin. A Carrion Crow was on the island and a Moorhen was under the trees and a Grey Heron was in the shallow water and I found a Green Sandpiper. Ravens flew over calling and a Pied Wagtail flew onto the island. As we were looking to see if anything different was about a Cattle Egret flew over. Time to move on and next stop Stratford adding Swallow on the way. We parked at Stratford and here Bryan found a Spotted Flycatcher diving out from a perch before returning to the same perch and as we looked we found another 3 and maybe even 4 along with a Chiffchaff. Once in the hide we looked out upon a very low lake and on the mud were 4 Greenshank a year tick for me. 

Greenshank - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)

Sand Martins were abundant then someone in the hide found a Whimbrel another year tick for me, we also saw plenty of Cormorants and several Tufted Ducks. A Hobby was distant over the trees but we did see another later much closer. Great Crested Grebe were out on the lake and a Marsh Harrier and Great Black Back Gull were seen in flight. We walked 100yds towards Moreton but it was very quiet with just a Blackbird found. Next stop was Moreton where Shoveler and Teal were in front of the hide and a Buzzard was high over the lake. Walking back to the car we noted Long Tailed Tits and a very yellow Willow Warbler we did see a few more later in the day. Next stop Herons Green for Lunch, Here while we were eating 2 Magpies flew over. After lunch we looked over the pond where we saw at least 3 Little Grebe and back overlooking the main lake another 7 were seen, and on the wall a single Chaffinch. Last stop was the Lodge and here we were going to walk to the dam, Our 1st new bird here was a Dunnock soon followed by both Blue and Great Tits. By now it had warmed up nicely and butterflies were on the wing with the 1st seen this lovely Comma. 


Comma - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)

Walking on no new birds were found until approaching the dam but we did see Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Large White butterflies. Looking over towards the dam and picnic area a Herring Gull was on the lake and an Egyptian Goose was on the far side in amongst the Canada Geese and 3 Rooks flew over, Nothing more until driving home we added Jackdaw. Quite a good list as this time of the year can be very slow.

 

Greenshank - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)

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