Somerset levels 25th May

We spent this morning on the Somerset Levels, visiting Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall RSPB. It is also a fantastic place to be on a spring or summer morning and this morning certainly did not disappoint. 

Starting at Meare Heath lagoon, Shapwick, we quickly found the resplendent Black-winged Stilt that had been first seen there two days previously. This was my first of this superb species in Britain, and one which always brings some joy when it is seen, with absurdly long red legs supporting its delicate black-and-white body. Though it is still classified as a rarity in Britain, it seems inevitable that this bird of warmer temperatures will soon extend its breeding range in Britain- a pair tried to nest in Somerset two years ago, but sadly flooding thwarted its attempts to raise young. A large number have been found in Britain already this Spring. It certainly would be a welcome addition to our avifauna!

Black-winged Stilt, Shapwick Heath

 Among the other birds on the lagoon were approximately 30 Black-tailed Godwits, several Lapwings, Gadwall, Shovellers and Pochard. Large numbers of Swifts and hirundines were hawking above the water, three Marsh Harriers passed and two Hobbys were seen. Reed and Sedge Warblers were singing from the reeds, in addition to Whitethroats, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. To add to the Mediterranean feel created by the Stilt's presence, two Great White Egrets flew past. This species is rare nationally, but remarkably virtually at Shapwick and Ham Wall. It recently bred for the first time in Britain, at Shapwick, and it seems certain that it will follow in the footsteps of its close relative the Little Egret in colonising this country.

We then headed to Ham Wall. Warblers were again singing in abundance, with Swifts and hirundines filling the skies. An extraordinary number of Hobbies, one of my favourite birds, were seen- approximately 15 in all around the reserve, along with more Marsh Harriers. Several Cuckoos were calling. We found another three Great White Egrets flying past, as well as our first Little Egret of the day. Very few birds were on the water in front of the two viewing platforms- just a small number of the more regular waterfowl and no waders. It had never taken me so long to find a Bittern while on the Somerset Levels, but eventually one of this magnificent species flew overhead. Another two passed over not long later. This species has recovered remarkably in recent years to become really rather common here.

The Levels is an extraordinary place for birds- to have Bitterns, Great White Egrets, Hobbies, Cuckoos and Marsh Harriers all virtually guaranteed, along with a great deal of other species, really is unique in Britain.

Great White Egret, Ham Wall 

We made a minor detour to Chew Valley Lake on the way home to search for a reported Great Reed Warbler. It was horrifically windy and as a result the bird remained hidden at the bottom of the reeds. Some consolation was found with a huge number of Swifts and hirundines and three Hobbies hawking above the lake.

Hobby, Hilfield

I didn't manage to photograph any of today's Hobbies (they are way too fast!), but here's one that passed over Hilfield last week. Such a fantastic bird.