Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Abundance of bird life on RSPB’s reserve
The RSPB’s Stephen Couch has been recording bird sightings at an important West Country wildlife site
TOP of the list for visitors at the Ham Wall RSPB nature reserve in Somerset are the starling murmurations which are continuing to roost on Ham Wall each night, with many reports of wonderful displays – and some beautiful sunsets to add to the atmosphere.
Stephen Couch, of the RSPB, advises visitors: “While you’re waiting for the starlings, keep your eyes open for groups of cattle egret coming in to roost too.”
They have been using parts of the reserve each night so you may see some on the move. A high of 74 were counted on several occasions over the last few weeks.
They were recorded on the sightings board in the car park one day this week so you may even see some during the day but they are more likely to be dispersed around the local area where cattle are still out grazing.
The increasingly rare lapwing have also been seen at Ham Wall with varying numbers being reported, including highs of over 900 on January 10 and more than 1,100 seen during the Christmas break.
“They always add some life and noise to the reserve I think – fantastic to have so many visiting us,” Stephen writes in his blog.
Great white egrets can also be spotted from the platforms in the reserve of the Avalon Hide. And he says snipe – a wading bird with the longest bill as a proportion of its body size in the bird world – are being seen on a regular basis.
He said: “A high count of 62 recorded this week but I would imagine there are several more given how well they hide away and how often I disturb them walking around the reserve.”
Stephen goes on to report other notable sightings from over the Christmas period from the site on the Somerset Levels, now counted as one of the most important areas for waders anywhere in Euriope.
They include 13 black tailed godwits seen from at the end of December and two fieldfare which passed over on January 1– the same day as an otter. There was another otter sighting recorded on Tuesday from the Avalon Hide and a report of three together on Shapwick Heath the same day. Another Christmas break treat was the four pintail ducks – three male and one female – spotted again at the end of last week.
Other species Stephen recommends looking out for include several species of duck including mallard, gadwall, shoveler, tufted duck – 122 counted on Tuesday – two greatcrested grebe, little grebe, teal and 190 wigeon seen last Thursday.
There have also been reports of sightings of a water pipit, kingfisher and a couple of bitterns – a Somerset Levels success story – spotted on Tuesday. The Avalon Hide is also worth a visit for sightings of a marsh harrier and also the chance of bearded tits, tawny owls and barn owls. Other birds of prey seen include a female merlin and a sparrowhawk
Stephen goes on: “I also spotted a couple of stonechats – male and female – right by the hide when I was reed cutting a strip there on Tuesday. They have also been spotted in front of Viewing Platform One and in the car park this week.
“The walk from the car park and along the main track can be quite rewarding too. Look out for bullfinch, chiffchaff – at least three seen – treecreeper, goldcrest, redpoll, around 30 seen last Thursday and 25 last Friday morning, and seek out any siskin that may be hiding in amongst them – three yesterday and two this morning.
“Marsh harriers can be seen on a daily basis – try the early mornings too after the starlings leave as they quarter over the reedbeds looking for carrion but the Avalon Hide and Viewing Platform two are also good places. Also this week: two peregrines spotted from Viewing Platform One on Monday, buzzards daily, a small tortoiseshell butterfly out on the wing on Wednesday and a peacock disturbed from a wood pile during a sunny spell yesterday.”
He goes on to detail water rails spotted from the Avalon Hide and the Tor View Hide, snipe also seen from the Tor View Hide, water pipit along with green sandpiper and snipe all spotted from the drained area on the right past Viewing Plaform two, mistle thrush at Loxtons on Tuesday, great spotted woodpeckers daily and ravens seen and heard frequently flying over the reserve.
Ham Wall Reserve is open at all times with the car park opening times from 5am-6.30pm up until the end of this month and then to 8pm every night until the end of March. From April 1 to September 30 the car parks are open from 5am to 10pm.
Entrance is free to all although donations are welcome. Car parking costs £3 per day, and is free for RSPB members.