Tuesday 28th October 2025 - Chew Valley Lake.

 

Herons Green showing the low water level (Bath Birdwatcher)

Another Tuesday and another visit to Chew Valley Lake, the only difference being the 3 Amigos were back together for the first time in many weeks, also this week was an all-day trip. I began my day list at Herriotts our first stop. Here on the pool were Canada Geese, Mute Swans, Shoveler, Gadwall, Shelduck, Moorhen, Mallard and Coot along with 5 species of gull Common, Herring, Black Headed, Lesser and Great Black Backs. At the back of the pond were 5 Black Tailed Godwits plus Pintail and Teal. Walking over the road to look over the main lake Great White Egrets were in the inlet with Carrion Crow, Little Egret and Grey Heron on the mud and Tufted Duck on the lake. Walking back to the pool a Grey Wagtail flew along the wall and David spotted a flyover Great Spotted Woodpecker. Moving on to Stratford we added Woodpigeon and Jackdaw, and a female Pheasant as we drove down Stratford lane. From the hide we added Cormorant, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, and Little Egret. Looking over the far reeds we counted at least 3 Marsh Harriers, Raven and Rook flew over. Whilst scanning the lake several Wigeon were in the coot and duck flock and as we were thinking of moving on we noticed 4 of the feeding swans were Whoopers, we must have missed them previously as they were feeding and probably had their heads under the water. 

Whooper Swans - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)

Walking back to the car a flock of Long Tailed Tits flew past as did a single Jay. Next stop Moreton  but the only new species for the day was a small flock of Stock Doves seen as we walked to the hide. Lunch time so we drove to Herons Green for lunch and while eating we noted Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Meadow Pipit and a single Red Kite. Next stop was The Lodge and as we drove along the drive at least 7 Cattle Egrets were in with a field of cows. Walking the footpath towards the dam Dunnock, Song Thrush and Magpie were quickly added and as we approached the dam we found a single Greylag Goose, rare here, but also seen were 3 Canada/Greylag hybrid also here we saw Blackbird and Robin then Bryan spotted a pair of Goldeneye towards the picnic area. The final new sighting for the day was a Starling seen as we drove home.

Pochard - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)


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