Tuesday 11th August 2026 - Chew Valley Lake.

 

Little Egret - Herons Green (Bath Birdwatcher)
Despite the continuing hot weather, the 3 Musketeers were going to keep bird spotting even though at this time of the year the quantity of birds is low, so it had to be Chew Valley Lake as we are more likely to see a wider range of species there. We started our list from the start with Collared Dove, House Martin, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow all seen as we headed for our 1st stop at Herriotts. On the pool was a large head of Gadwall and Teal with Moorhens showing in good numbers. Lapwing were on the mud and a female Mandarin was with the Teal. Coot, Mute Swan and Canada Geese were all noted and a Great White Egret flew across the pool. Green Sandpiper numbers were low with just 2 seen along with a Pied Wagtail. Black Headed Gull numbers were high with just a Lesser Black Back Gull with them. On the main lake we added Great Black Back Gull, Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Little Egret and Tufted Duck. Next stop Stratford where a female Pheasant was in the lane, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff were seen as we walked to the hide. From the hide we spotted Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Buzzard, Swallow, Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk. Walking back to the car we spotted a singing Wren. Next stop Blagdon but most of the birds we had already seen at Chew, with just Robin and Shoveler new for the day. Back to Herons Green for lunch and here we added Little Grebe, Mallard and 10+ Cattle Egrets. We decided to call it a day but did visit the picnic area and the day ended with Egyptian and Greylag Geese added to the days total. Wader numbers were very low with just 2 species seen but as the month goes on more should be found.
Black Headed Gull - CVL (Bath Birdwatcher)





 

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