Somerset Levels Report from: Colin Crew

Sunday 3rd August

Eight members headed south to Somerset’s 1500 hectare Avalon Marshes for the day and,
despite spending much of it getting wet in the unseasonal ‘mizzle’, managed some reasonably successful birding and a few laughs along the way.

The Avalon Marshes

Egrets were in evidence throughout the day, with one of at least five Great Whites seen
early on from the bridge. Great Crested Grebes, including several adults with stripey youngsters, were everywhere. Good numbers of eclipse Mallard and Gadwall were present, but only five duck species were noted, the others in small numbers, with just a single Pochard. At the viewing screens, a couple of ‘Terns’ on mid-water rafts caught the eye, but careful study quickly identified them as an Advertising Tern (likely vinyl or plastic) and a Decoy Tern(possibly wooden).
The nearby Little Grebes were certainly much louder and more active! Loose groups of hirundines and a few Swifts hawked constantly for insects over the vast reedbeds despite the dull and damp conditions. The Avalon Hide gave distant views of Sedge and Reed Warbler, and, after a good deal of patience, all members managed to see Bearded Reedlings. We were less lucky with Bittern, with just one brief fly over being enjoyed by a single member.
Several Marsh Harriers were quartering the area, with the behaviour of one female suggesting a possible nest. Noah’s Hide finally provided sightings of Little Egrets and one Cattle Egret, then as the weather finally brightened up, a Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk and one or more distant Hobby were spotted from Meare Heath Hide.

Hobby spectacular

But arguably the best was saved until last, as whilst walking back to the car park we
were able to watch 6 Cattle Egret, 2 Little Egret and a Cormorant in the same tree, and
then a stunning Hobby perched up nearby, which then gave great flight views and was observed to catch and devour several prey items on the wing.
A total of fifty-six species was a good return, given the time of year, regular drizzle, and complete lack of any waders. Thank you to Simon for leading, Simon and Mike for driving, and to all those who attended for being excellent company.
© Colin Crew

Birdlist

(taxonomic, including heard only):
Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Bittern, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Water Rail (H), Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove (H), Feral Pigeon, Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker (H), Hobby, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Bearded Reedling, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Long-tailed Tit, Cetti’s Warbler (H), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (H), Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Goldcrest (H), Wren, Treecreeper (H), Starling, Blackbird (H), Robin, Pied Wagtail (H), Chaffinch (H), Goldfinch and Reed Bunting (56 species).