Tuesday 29th September 2026 - Chew Valley Lake.

 

Another trip to Chew Valley Lake as this time of the year lots of migratory birds can appear anywhere and at any time, and a few species seen in the last week would be year ticks for one or more of us. We took lunch as we expected to be there for six hours and taking lunch means we don’t have to rush around. Driving to Chew we spotted Red Kite, Blackbird and Collared Doves, arriving at Herriotts there were lots of birders already there so we were hopeful that something special was about. Mallard, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Moorhen and Coot were all seen as we set up the telescopes. Looking around Gadwall and Shoveler were spotted with a Grey Heron on the island. Another birder called us over to the other side of the road where he pointed out  Water Rail a bird that had eluded us all year. Little Egret, Teal and Great White Egret were also seen in the channel. Back on the pool I searched the Black Headed Gulls but nothing unusual was found, then David spotted the Glossy Ibis that flew over and landed on the far side, we had been searching for this bird on many trips here but having seen one on the levels it was no longer a year tick but always good to see. Looking through waders in the water around the island a Ruff was spotted along with about a dozen Snipe. Back over to the channel a Kingfisher gave a quick view as it flew around a tree and out of sight. Back on the pool I found the Lesser Yellowlegs feeding in amongst Lapwings. As we continued scanning with the scopes we found Black Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, and both Herring Gull and Lesser Black Back Gull. Moving on to Stratford we added Jackdaw on the way. We had been told that a Golden and Grey Plover were showing, even though there was reed cutting going on but when we arrived the cutters were having a break and the Plovers were showing well. Grey was a year tick for me. Great Crested Grebe, Pochard and Tufted Ducks were all extra to what we had already seen. Marsh Harrier was patrolling the lake frightening all the wildfowl. Our last sighting here were Wigeon. Moving on to Blagdon we disturbed a flock of Chaffinch and I spotted a Green Woodpecker unfortunately missed by the other 2. We drove to top end hide but looking out everything seemed very quiet but with the aid of telescopes we did find Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Stonechat, Carrion Crow and Magpie. We stopped at Herons Green for lunch but even scanning with the telescope we were unable to find anything new so lunch finished we moved to the Lodge for a short walk towards the dam. Walking along the footpath our 1st sighting was a Robin sat on the fence.

Robin - Chew (Bath Birdwatcher)

 Looking across the lake towards Denny we added Great Black Back Gull and Cormorant plus a Woodpigeon flying across the lake. A Roe Deer was wandering the far bank and while walking back to the car a Common Darter was on the top of the fence staying long enough to be photographed. 

Common Darter - Chew (Bath Birdwatcher)
Last stop was the picnic area where Bryan spotted this sleeping male Mandarin. 

Mandarin - Chew (Bath Birdwatcher)
Just as we were about to leave I spotted a Common Sandpiper on the water’s edge but unfortunately it had a bad left wing so we are not sure if it could fly.

Common Sandpiper - Chew (Bayh Birdwatcher)
Driving home we ended the day with a Buzzard and Rooks. Another good day with 2-year ticks and 17 in the month needing 9 more before the end of the year to equal last year’s total.

 

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