Somerset Levels

A day on the Levels.

With the weather looking cooler than the past few weeks today saw us in Somerset.

Some good views of Marsh Harriers and Great White Egret as we entered the reserve with several groups of Gadwall in various stages of moult, sometimes making them very difficult to indentify for novices birdwatchers.

Several duck species around were Mallard, Gadwall, Tufted, Pochard, Teal all seen along with both Great Crested and Little Grebes. A few gulls loafing around on the water with Black headed, Lesser black backed and Herring Gull all observed.

Great white Egrets seem to have done well this year these birds can be seen at almost every area we visited, also Little Egret, Grey Heron and Bittern all putting in appearances.

Small birds were harder to find today may be the hot weather is having an effect on them, Reed warbler, Reed Bunting, Robin, Dunnock, Chiffchaff all around but keeping well hidden.

Butterflies and Dragonflies are still around with Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, all seen along with Brown Hawker Dragonflies and a few Blue tailed damselflies.

With the heat building we spent the afternoon around the hides keeping out of the strong sunlight, we saw a few Hobbies fly past hunting Dragonflies along with soaring Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk.

Despite the heat getting up in the afternoon this is still one of the best places to see wildlife at this time of year. DT.