On 7th May 2024, I visited the
following site:
RSPB Ham Wall, Somerset
RSPB Ham Wall has become one of my
favourite birding locations in the UK in both spring and winter. It is a 265-hectare site at the heart of the huge area known as
the Avalon Marshes in Somerset.
Previously owned and worked by the peat industry, it was born in 1994 when the
land was acquired by the RSPB. The
principal objective was to re-create vital reedbeds and wetlands and help the
struggling Bittern population in the UK.
The habitats
that have been created are now a mature and thriving wetland made up of
extensive reedbeds and open water, grassland and woodlands and, in addition to
the now healthy population of Bitterns, the reserve is
important for new species colonising the UK including Great
White Egrets, Little Bitterns and Cattle Egrets all
of which have bred in recent years.
I arrived at RSPB Ham Wall at
6 a.m. and had a very successful visit, especially the sightings of 3 Glossy
Ibis and a single Common Crane plus multiple sightings of Bitterns.
The highlights from my visit included the following (heard only
records in italics): Glossy Ibis (3), Common Crane (1), Bittern (4 birds
seen but possibly some duplication plus 2 “booming” males), Great White Egret (at
least 5), Grey Heron (3), Lapwing (2), Garganey
(1 male), Gadwall (c.20), Common Pochard (c.30), Mallard (c.30), Tufted
Duck (5), Shoveler (1 male), Little Grebe (1 calling bird),
Great Crested Grebe (5 including a pair at a nest site), Mute
Swan (c.10), Canada Goose (c.20), Greylag Goose
(12), Coot (c.20), Moorhen (2), Cormorant (6), Cuckoo (1
calling male), Garden Warbler (1 singing male plus 2 other singing
males heard), Willow Warbler (2 singing males), Blackcap (2 males and 1 female plus at least
10 other singing males heard), Chiffchaff (2 singing males
plus at least 6 other singing males heard), Reed Warbler (3
singing males plus many other singing males heard), Cetti’s Warbler (2 singing males
plus at least 8 other singing males), Reed Bunting (2 males plus
another singing male heard), Swift (at least 10), Swallow (1),
Hobby (1), Marsh Harrier (1 male and at least 5 females), Great
Spotted Woodpecker (1 plus another calling bird heard), Goldcrest
(1 singing male), Orange Tip (1), Green-veined White (1)
The other notable
sighting that I had was of Mike Dilger, naturalist, TV
presenter and writer. He was leading a group of birders at RSPB Ham Wall but
I did have the opportunity to speak to him for several minutes.
Here are some photos from my visit ....
Photo: RSPB Ham Wall
Photo: RSPB Ham Wall
Photo: RSPB Ham Wall
Photo: RSPB Ham Wall
Photo: RSPB Ham Wall
Photo: RSPB Ham Wall
Photo: Bittern
Photo: Bittern
Photo: Great White Egret
Photo: Great White Egret
Photo: Great White Egret
Photo: Great White Egret
Photo: Great White Egret
Photo: Great White Egret
Photo: Grey Heron
Photo: Grey Heron
Photo: Great Crested Grebe
Photo: Great Crested Grebes
Photo: Great Crested Grebes
Photo: male Tufted Duck
Photo: male Tufted Duck
Photo: Canada Goose
Photo: Canada Goose
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Blue Tit
Photo: Blue Tit
After spending several enjoyable and rewarding hours at RSPB Ham Wall, it was then time for the long 185 miles drive home.
Love nature .... act now
Restore and rewild our natural world
Please help save and enhance our laws that protect our environment and wildlife
💚🦆 🦉🦋🐝🦊🦡🌼 🌳💚
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
