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Friday 22 February 2019

Somerset Levels

Early spring visit to the Somerset Levels

Today saw us at the RSPB Ham Wall reserve.

After a little early fog the sun came through to provide us with some wonderful wildlife.

Kingfisher and Great white Egret were among the first birds seen along the path to our first stop.

Several duck species are still around with Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Tufted duck all seen.

Both little and Great Crested Grebes were seen with the little Grebes being very vocal all day.

Several sightings of Marsh Harrier hunting out over the reedbeds with Buzzards soaring on the thermals. We had some very brief views of Water rail as they move between the reedbeds always hard to see these birds.

Before leaving our view point we had a fly by Bittern which gave very good views as it flew over the reedbeds. On our way back to the car park for lunch we saw several Lapwing and a small group of Golden Plover along with 80+ Snipe flying around.

After lunch a quick look around the feeders found Reed Bunting, Chaffinch a single Chiffchaff and several blue and great tits.

Returning to watch the Starlings coming into roost we saw a Sparrowhawk fly across and as the large groups of Starlings arrived a Peregrine falcon could be seen chasing them around.

On our walk back to the car park a single ringtail Hen Harrier flew past and a Tawny owl hooted from the wood.

All in all a good day to be out and about with Bittern starting to boom spring is on the way.DT