Somerset Birding

[shoshone]

Dejected at the lack of presence on BirdForum of our beautiful County of Somerset, (notwithstanding there are viable ornitholigical groups in this county), why can't we have a presence here on BirdForum???

I would only wish that any BirdForum members who would like to not only enjoy birding in Somerset to start contributing to to this thread, that way we not only by exchange of information share our own countywide experiences, BUT share what we have with other responsible birders nationwide who otherwise may not be aware of this County's pearls.

Since I am relatively inexperienced, this might become rather boring with my eulogising about common 'ol garden birds or whatever I see, so it's up to others I think to hopefully make this thread more exciting than perhaps I will be able to make it, after all I'm not that experienced and would love this to be a vehicle whereby others in Somerset might, just might, be prepared to share what is happeneing for them.

I have to say now that due to work commitments I am out of the county a lot, and this morning from my B&B window in the Chilterns, I had a dozen Red Kites 'playing tag' right outside the window. I returned this evening to find half a dozen Fallow deer jumping the fence from the village I am in as my headlights picked them out.
Many thanks for taking time out to read this ...it is much appreciated.

Kind Regards

Jamie

Norton sub Hamdon
(South) Somerset.

[delia todd]

Hi Jamie I see you found your way to this forum to start your thread;)

I'm sure there'll be many who are interested to hear what's around in the county.

D

[kr76]

hi. went for a look at chard reservoir yesterday :t:

4 Grebe
1 Kingfisher
1 Lt Egret
2 Blue Tits
2 Magpies
6 Cormorants
40+ Herring Gulls
5 Coots
2 Moorhens

[shoshone]

hi. went for a look at chard reservoir yesterday :t:

4 Grebe
1 Kingfisher
1 Lt Egret
2 Blue Tits
2 Magpies
6 Cormorants
40+ Herring Gulls
5 Coots
2 Moorhens

Hi Keith,

Thanks for that!. The FIRST to actually post a list of current sighting to our new Somerset Birding / Local Patch forum!!

To my shame I have only visited Chard resv twice yet it is only about 15 miles from me. I keep getting drawn to the Somerset Levels.

You didn't mention the giant Carp though. Not knowing at first what they were, all I saw was a big V in the water heading for ducks, panicced thinking it might be a huge Pike

Like you I have only recently returned to bird watching, so I'm sure we'll be of relatively similar experience. Looking forward to your contributions on here.

Kind regards

Jamie

[kr76]

Chard reservoir sighting board

Report of a Brent Goose seen on 11th and 12th November.

14 nov

Kingfisher 2

Great Crested Grebe 26

Little Egret 1

Teal 14

Shoveler 2

Cormorant 9

Tufted Duck 7

Snipe 11

[shoshone]

Nov 15th 2008 approx 4pm - Ham Wall RSPB Reserve, Somerset, England

First attempt at capturing the Starlings coming in to roost over the Somerset Levels at Ham Wall RSPB reserve. They were well over half a mile away though.

There must be some way of estimating the numbers of Starlings involved. there was many many tens of thousands with multiple waves each time.

Just noticed that the ExIf is still showing BST duh! So you will have to be there at least one hour earlier.

Phone Avalon Marshes Starling Hotline is 07866 554142 for a prediction of where the most likely roost site will be each day. According to the RSPB chap there, it looks like this year they are favouring Ham Wall and also Shapwick Heath.

I'd suggest getting there by 14:30ish and getting a parking spot and chill.

Apparently it is more spectacular if you can get there just before 7am to see the whole lot take off next morning.

When they were all down on the reeds, the noise was spectaclar at first sounding like running water, then like millions of insects as they all had a good natter.

Jamie

no pp done just resized

[luke]

Any news about this Dark eyed Junco? apparently at East Coker.

[shoshone]

Any news about this Dark eyed Junco? apparently at East Coker.

Luke,

Can't add anything to the RBA alert this afternoon sorry. I headed out of Somerset for the week at 2:30pm, so I won't be able to physically progress this for you |=(|

Jamie

[cwpbirder]

See separate thread on "Dark-eyed Junco in Somerset"....

[kr76]

chard res today

magpie 6

coot 9

moorhen 6

cormorant 13

Lt Egret 1

heron 2

robin 9

blue tit 7

nuthatch 2

buzzard 1

shoveler 4

teal 2

mallard 20+

common gull 20+

wood pigeon 4

crow 4

wigeon 4

snipe 2

[kr76]

teal 5

shoveler 2

cormorent 11

g c grebe 16

snipe 7

mute swan 1

tufted duck 3

coot 14

moorhen 5

lt egret 1

grey heron 1

g s woodpecker 1

longtail tit 1

kingfisher 1

robin 6

phesant 1

Also took a photo of a squrrel with a bad face due to a very long tooth

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/mixed011.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/049.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/042.jpg

[wetlands_wedge]

I get down to Somerset to see family occasionally. If I see anything or visit anywhere I will post here. Good luck with the thread!
Reg

[luke]

Went to Shapwick heath yesturday and had a fantastic day! we got numerous sightings of at least 2 Marsh Harrier and saw a least two possibly three bittern from the Meare hide. Then finnished the day by watching the incredible numbers of starlings going to roost at Ham wall. Its certainly somewhere i'd go again.

[shoshone]

Went to Shapwick heath yesturday and had a fantastic day! we got numerous sightings of at least 2 Marsh Harrier and saw a least two possibly three bittern from the Meare hide. Then finnished the day by watching the incredible numbers of starlings going to roost at Ham wall. Its certainly somewhere i'd go again.

Hey Luke,
You came to Somerset....COOL!

Maybe it was the Junco? Did you see it? I missed it |:(|

Glad you found the Starlings roosting...a great sight! :t:

Looks like we have 'Levels' in common.

If I make it to Wales, if you don't mind, I'll send you a PM for best sites eh?

Jamie

[shoshone]

I get down to Somerset to see family occasionally. If I see anything or visit anywhere I will post here. Good luck with the thread!
Reg

Hi Reg!

Thanks for supporting out thread. Very much appreciated!

We look forward to your input. We hope you get time to do some birding (family permitting) when you come down.

Hopefully we will have accumulated a reasonable presence here to help you when you do come. Keith is doing a sterling job documenting sightings at Chard reservoir, and hopefully others will start lending their support ;)

Jamie

[shoshone]

teal 5

shoveler 2

cormorent 11

g c grebe 16

snipe 7

mute swan 1

tufted duck 3

coot 14

moorhen 5

lt egret 1

grey heron 1

g s woodpecker 1

longtail tit 1

kingfisher 1

robin 6

phesant 1

Also took a photo of a squrrel with a bad face due to a very long tooth

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/mixed011.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/049.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/042.jpg


Also took a photo of a squrrel with a bad face due to a very long tooth

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...tinger/042.jpg

Poor little guy/gal....clearly teeth not meeting/grinding properly...bad news for a rodent I think...



Hopefully going to make it to Chard reservoir this Saturday.

Any tips where to look Keith??
Ta!

Jamie

ps Keep up the sighting listings from Chard.....great!
J

[luke]

Hey Luke,
You came to Somerset....COOL!

Maybe it was the Junco? Did you see it? I missed it |:(|

Glad you found the Starlings roosting...a great sight! :t:

Looks like we have 'Levels' in common.

If I make it to Wales, if you don't mind, I'll send you a PM for best sites eh?

Jamie

I came down with a group. I am the outdoor secretary for my local bird club so i thought shapwick would make a good day and it didnt let me down. We'll be back again.

[kr76]

hi jamie, all i can say is just get urself in the hide and keep your eyes open mate :t:

25th nov chard reservoir

cormorent 15

G C Grebe 23

wigeon 1

robin 3

wren 2

nuthatch 1

buzzard 1

heron 3

shoveler 6

coal tit 3

tufted duck 5

teal 9

Lt egret 1

magpie 1

common gull 20+

black-headed gull 20+

kingfisher 1 east side of res

[Greysands boy]

Hi all you somerset birders,
I am planning driving up from north Devon on sunday to see the starling show any tips on where to go (Sat nav post code would be helpful) and at what times etc.
I have read the post above but didnt know whether anyone could ellaborate!!!

Cheers Darryl

[shoshone]

Hi all you somerset birders,
I am planning driving up from north Devon on sunday to see the starling show any tips on where to go (Sat nav post code would be helpful) and at what times etc.
I have read the post above but didnt know whether anyone could ellaborate!!!

Cheers Darryl

Darryl,

Probably the best bet is to look for Ham Wall on the RSPB website. This will give you the grid reference and a Multimap link which should get you to the car park at Ham Wall.

From the car park walk East into Ham Wall, or West into Shapwick Heath (East)....i don't know of any post codes.

I suggested times on my earlier post you should get there well before dusk allowing for the weather as it can get dark earlier if heavily overcast. As dusk is getting earlier still each day I'd plan for about 14:30 to get a parking place which should give you plenty of time to find a spot.

Remember there is no guarantee which site they will roost at, so call the Avalon Starling number I posted above to get a guestimate of where they are 'likely' to roost

Jamie

[kr76]

27 nov chard res

22 g c grebe

2 pochard but not 100% sure

20 teal

3 shoveler

1 longtail tit

3 coal tit

8 blue tit

29 comorant

30+ blackheaded gull

1 kingfisher took photo

6 coot

8 moorhen

5 robins

4 wood pigeon

2 great spotted woodpecker

1 blackbird

1 heron

[The Kerreran]

Up at Clark's Village doing the dreaded Annual Ritual yesterday [nothing birdy to report other than some pesky Starlings doing a creditable Waxwing impersonation!], and came back via Ham Wall for the evening's show. The Starlings roosted on the south side of the railway line, eastern half of the reserve - the most sheltered area of reeds that didn't have shotguns going off around it... They didn't put on one of their most vintage performances, and the main flock stayed close to Glastonbury for most of the time, but still it was well worth the trip. Also, adult female and juvenile Marsh Harriers [the latter missing a right secondary but catching something small dark and furry - a water vole or maybe a small rat?], an adult female Sparrowhawk through fast, plenty of the usual commoner suspects - including lots of male Shoveler flying around, and a surprise Woodcock flying east over Ashcott Corner as a finale. :t:

[kr76]

4th Dec

G C Grebe 28

Lt Egret 1

Heron 1

Mute Swan 3

Shoveler 2

Wigeon 2

Teal 18

Bullfinch 1

Cormorent 7

Coal Tit 6

Nuthatch 1

Tufted 4

3rd Dec

G C Grebe 30+

Cormorent 12

Wigeon 2

Teal 13

Tufted 4

Heron 1

Lesser Redpoll 2

These are the first Redpoll to be seen at the Res for 5 years and the first Res record for December. They were at the entrance to the wood.

Just A Few Photos

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040021.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040020.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040045.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040041.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040074.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040066.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040079.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040099.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040102.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/ccistinger/2008_12040133.jpg

[woodhornbirder]

Anyone here know a bloke called raymond. FRom wedmore, hes in his 60s.

GOes out most weds to ham wall shapwick area. Got a kentish accent.

[devon.birder]

Went up to Somerset today and the first stop was Hawkridge Reservoir, Found 6 of the reported 7 Mandarins on the pool at the west end of the reservoir. Next stop was Marsh Farm, Steart and again I came up 1 short as I could only see 6 of the reported 7 Bewick Swans. At Cheddar Reservoir I could only find 1 of the reported 3 Black-necked Grebes but 2 male Red-crested Pochards were a bonus. Also saw 1 male Goosander and several Goldeneye.
Whilst I spent nearly 2 hours at Ubley Warren NR the Great Grey Shrike failed to put in an appearance. Still a good days birding. Roger

[John P]

I'm going to be in Somerset for a couple of days (Tue/Wed/Thu) this week, staying near Wedmore.

Are there any Bitterns about and showing reasonably well?

Is there anything interesting on Cheddar Reservoir at the moment or any Smew anywhere maybe?

[Stranger]

I'm going to be in Somerset for a couple of days (Tue/Wed/Thu) this week, staying near Wedmore.

Are there any Bitterns about and showing reasonably well?

Is there anything interesting on Cheddar Reservoir at the moment or any Smew anywhere maybe?

At least one Blacknecked Grebe at Cheddar yesterday.
Will be over there myself tomorrow.

[John P]

At least one Blacknecked Grebe at Cheddar yesterday.


Cheers Stranger.

Got four of those at Blashford near home. |:$|

Any Short-eared Owls anywhere close by?

[Stranger]

Cheers Stranger.

Got four of those at Blashford near home. |:$|

Any Short-eared Owls anywhere close by?

Have a look at the Severnside Birding website,I believe that Aust Wharf is a reliable site for them

[John P]

Have a look at the Severnside Birding website,I believe that Aust Wharf is a reliable site for them

OK Thanks for that: found Aust Wharf but not sure if I want to go that far from base, we might just make do with the local Barn Owls.

Say Hi if you see us at Cheddar, I'll be the bloke with the wife hobbling along a few yards behind.:hi:

[Paul Eele]

Hi all

I am coming down to my visit my folks in a weeks time (26th-30th) and I am trying to plan a few days out with my dad to bag a few 'bits and bobs'

The snowy owl in Cornwall is already in our sights but I am interested in looking for the cattle egrets, starlings, bittern and the bustard (I know it is released but it would be nice to see!). If anyone can help out with any information on these or anything else, I would be most grateful.

If you don't want to broadcast with info, feel free to send me a private message.

Many thanks for your help

Paul

[richardwp]

Check out the SOS Bird news forum at http://pub13.bravenet.com/forum/1065729998 on http://www.somersetbirds.net.

[devon.birder]

If you go down for the Snowy Owl there is a wintering Bittern at Long Rock Pool, Marazion. I watched it fly from the reeds on the south side across the pool and then over the road in to the main reed bed at 16.50 on Tuesday. Today there were two Cattle Egrets near the church at Powderham near Exeter. Best of luck. Roger

[Greysands boy]

Hi all you somerset lot,
Myself and Partimer Travelled up from North Devon yesterday and spent the day in your neck of the woods had a good day at shapwick,
With plenty of good birds,
Highlights were Siskin, Goldeneye and a Great Egret at far side of the pool pool viewed from Noahs hide along with greta views of otters about 10 feet away below thw same hide,
I cant believe with such a great local area with great birds not more of you post here on the forum,
I had 3 lifers metioned above. Happy days


Darryl

[shoshone]

Hi all you somerset lot,
Myself and Partimer Travelled up from North Devon yesterday and spent the day in your neck of the woods had a good day at shapwick,
With plenty of good birds,
Highlights were Siskin, Goldeneye and a Great Egret at far side of the pool pool viewed from Noahs hide along with greta views of otters about 10 feet away below thw same hide,
I cant believe with such a great local area with great birds not more of you post here on the forum,
I had 3 lifers metioned above. Happy days


Darryl

Darryl,

Shame on us 'Somerset Birders'

Takes a Devon guy (and believe me Darryl has lot's to visit at home) to give us a push...please help by contributing to our local patch. :clap:

Jamie

[parttimer]

HI all
I can only agree with Daryl (Greysands Boy) we had a great day on your patch and what a patch. Only wish we had those facilities in North Devon.

Stu

[woodhornbirder]

I might be in somerset next week, is the GWegret at shapwick still showing well ?

[The Kerreran]

I cant believe with such a great local area with great birds not more of you post here on the forum,


Surprised me too - then I found the S.O.S. website. News, sites, the works.. very impressive!

[Stranger]

I might be in somerset next week, is the GWegret at shapwick still showing well ?

Noahs hide seems to be the best spot to see it at the moment.

[Paul Eele]

Had a good visit home last week so thanks to those who pointed me in the right direction for information.

Spent a pleasent day on the Levels on Wednesday and visited some old haunts. Hadn't been out that way for a while to nice to see the new parking facilities at Ashcott Corner and the viewing area at Ham Wall.

Highlights included great views of the GW egret and 2 bitterns from the Ham Wall viewing area and 11 water pipits in the cut reeds behind. 7 whooper swans, the egret again and 2 otters (only the 3rd time I have seen one) from the Noah's lake hide. The cattle egret was still in Sharpham Park and I couldn't resist a look at the bustards (impressive birds). It was also nice to see plenty of common buzzard and a few ravens around the place.

My parents garden feeders have attracted over 20 species so far this year including 10 brambling, 7 lesser and 1 mealy redpoll last week.

Paul

[Runestone]

Hi can anyone advise me the best place to park at the moment for the starling roost, or any other gems of info? I am coming from Essex for the day on Wednesday and would really welcome some local knowledge. The starling hotline suggested parking at Peat Moors, but so often I have been told by a visitors centre to park miles away from something only to be told by a local birder that there is much closer parking.

I would also welcome any local knowledge regarding good places to spend the day in the area. We are planning to start at Greylake RSPB at the moment as we read there is a good selection of raptors first thing. Any comments will be welcomed.

Cheers!

Sue

[Stranger]

Hi Runeston
Westhay,catcott lows,canada farm,mear heath, Ham wall and shapwick and are all easily accessed from Greylake.
check out the SOS website for up to date info on the starling roost.
If at Shapwick,mear heath or Ham wall park at Ashcott corner.

[woodhornbirder]

which week in may will hobby numbers max at meare heath?

[Stranger]

which week in may will hobby numbers max at meare heath?

28 Hobbies in the air over Noahs hide earlier this week,max numbers seem to peak toward the end of May.

[devon.birder]

48 in the air on 4 May at mid day. How many do you want?. Roger

[devon.birder]

68 in the air today. Roger

[woodhornbirder]

do these hobbies roost in grps or go their own way?

i assume they are feeding on insects, or birds too?

[camelbirder]

68 in the air today. Roger

I'm lucky if I see that many during the whole year.

[davercox]

We drove over Tealham Moor yesterday, and in a very quick trip saw half a dozen Lapwings, with plenty of display going on, and a Redshank down in a ditch. Fantastic. Ten years ago there were no breeding waders at all on this moor. Twenty-five years ago there were plenty (including Snipe).

Well done the STNC (or whoever) :clap: Brilliant.

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan

[The Kerreran]

Little Bittern showing very well, when not being mobile and elusive, and singing frequently [a very handy aid to keeping track of it!] at RSPB Ham Wall.

[Capercaillie71]

I'm just back home from a couple of weeks' holiday in SW England (Cotswolds and Cornwall). Not much birding was done but we did have an hour and a half's walk at Shapwick Heath en route between the two bits of the holiday.

I was really very impressed and can't believe there seem to be so few people posting from Somerset on birdforum. The scale of the wetlands is something else and the birds certainly compare well with some of the better known East Anglian wetlands that I've visited. Just walking 1km along the main path from the car park, I saw a female Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, no less than three Bittern flyovers, a Hobby and heard about eight Cetti's Warblers, one of which flew across the track in front of me. Not to mention plenty of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Reed Warblers, all species that are scarce here in the frozen north. And I didn't even see the Little Bittern, Purple Heron or Great Egrets that have been in the area recently - it wouldn't surprise me if one or more of these species started breeding here in the not too distant future. Well worth a visit and I hope I'll be able to make a more leisurely visit in the future.

[kingfisher]

I can really recommend the Somerset Levels to everyone who might be visiting during the Summer months, I was there all day yesterday. The sights and sounds are something else.

Just a brief note of my sightings for the day included an early morning hunting Barn Owl, three Buzzards, a Male and Female Marsh Harrier, 9 singing Cettis Warblers with three being seen, Reed and Sedge Warblers everywere, various Ducks and Great-crested and Little Grebe with young, and other wildlife included an Otter, various Dragonflies and Chasers, plus hundreds of Damselflies and various Butterflies including a glorious White Admiral. Plus not forgetting the Marsh Frogs.
The reserves are real gems.

[kingfisher]

The Great White Egret is stil present on the Meare Heath Lagoon, Shapwick Heath, though Distant. And the Little Bittern can still be heard at the RSPB Reserve Ham Wall.

[Stranger]

Surprised nobody has mentioned the Spotted Crake at Greylake.
Been there for 3 or 4 days now and is showing well.

[devon.birder]

Two Wood Sandpipers this afternoon at the far end of Durleigh Reservoir. Roger

[kingfisher]

Good point.

Anyone interested in Somerset Bird Sightings should bookmark this sight.
http://pub13.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=1065729998&frmid=14&msgid=0

Lots of good birds at Shapwick Heath over the last week. Up to 7 Black Terns, Osprey's Ringed Plovers and Green Sands...

[Andrew]

Excellent. Might spend the day at Greylake this Saturday photographing this Crake.

[Stranger]

-Osprey showing well from Noahs Hide at Shapwick, Common Tern as well.
Also Ruff,Snipe Ringed Plover and BT Godwits amongst the Lapwing on the Shallow Lagoon as you walk down from Ashcott corner carpark.

[alexander74]

we are thinking of spending a few days in Somerset this November with plenty of time for birding - can anybody recommend where we should go? or even better stay?

[flightpath]

we are thinking of spending a few days in Somerset this November with plenty of time for birding - can anybody recommend where we should go? or even better stay?

Hi Alexander

The Somerset Levels and the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve have to be among the top attractions in the county, in my opinion. If you're planning to be around in November then the starlings at Westhay should be on your list too - see this pdf if your not familiar with them: http://www.somersetwildlife.org/pdf%20library/Westhay_starling_08_09.pdf

[Chalky W]

Alexander,

Chew Valley lake nr Bristol is always worth an hour or two, good numbers of winter visitors starting to turn up now and it's had a few surprises turn up lately.

check out www.cvlbirding.co.uk for the latest updates. You can get a day permit for the hides, there are details on this site of where to get them.

[Julian Thomas]

Most Somerset birders probably just haven't twigged that this forum is here - I hadn't until very recently. For lots of info on Somerset birding, including a sightings messageboard, site info etc, plus links to other sites maintained by local birders, try www.somersetbirds.net

The Avalon Marshes complex is a brilliant set of wetland reserves - Shapwick Heath (including Meare Heath) NNR, Ham Wall RSPB, Catcott Lows SWT, and Westhay Moor SWT/NNR - and now there's Greylake RSPB reserve too. It's easy to get a bit blase about what's on your doorstep, but the very kind comments from visiting birders this summer, especially when the Little Bittern was around, were a timely reminder. The recent colonisation by such birds as Bittern and Bearded Tit, to mention just two, are the just reward for all the time and effort the various wardens and volunteers have put in over the years to create and maintain these reserves out of old peat diggings.

Add in Exmoor for upland birds (and the Quantocks and Mendip too) plus a variety of coastal habitats, and there's interest year-round, though it'll never compete with some other counties in rarity terms (rare passerines in particular are rare indeed). Good fun to bird, though.

[Chalky W]

A very neglected forum I must admit, it would be nice (personally) if we could get this one up and running a bit more regularly. I know there are lots of sites covering the local area (a few mentioned here) but it would be nice to share here too. I'm Bristol based and love water birds so Chew, Blagdon, Cheddar and Barrow are my local patch with the odd excursion to the Severn estuary.

Just a thought...

[Stranger]

I too would like to see more postings for Somerset.
But how do we define the area to be covered?
Since they did away with Avon my Somerset birding covers Somerset, North Somerset and Bath and Northeast Somerset (BANES).
Do we include all three?
I would personally hope so.

[Chalky W]

I too would like to see more postings for Somerset.
But how do we define the area to be covered?
Since they did away with Avon my Somerset birding covers Somerset, North Somerset and Bath and Northeast Somerset (BANES).
Do we include all three?
I would personally hope so.

How about using the Avon and Somerset police boundary?

A question from me - can anyone point me on the direction of a good location for watching and photographing waders on the coast around here. Somewhere which is kind of quiet without too many passers by or dog walkers and of course somewhere with a decent amount of birds.

I've tried Severn Beach and Clevedon but wondered if there was anywhere else anyone can recommend.

Chalky

[Stranger]

How about using the Avon and Somerset police boundary?

A question from me - can anyone point me on the direction of a good location for watching and photographing waders on the coast around here. Somewhere which is kind of quiet without too many passers by or dog walkers and of course somewhere with a decent amount of birds.

I've tried Severn Beach and Clevedon but wondered if there was anywhere else anyone can recommend.

Chalky

You could try the Axe Estuary at Uphill out of holiday season ( Not this weekend as they are staging the enduro at Weston)
Sand bay,Burnham, Berrow and Brean Down offer possibilities.
Inland, Chew Lakes,Blagdon and Shapwick are good places.

[davercox]

Anywhere round Bridgwater Bay is likely to be good, but it is a big area, and therefore it's easy to miss the birds. Depending on where you're starting from, you could try Steart (on the west side) or the Huntspill (http://www.somersetbirds.net/huntspill_river.htm).
Even Hinkley Point can be pretty good (and sometimes has good gulls too).

[alexander74]

thanks for the tips - will let you know how we get on.

[joshjenkinsshaw]

Hi all,
I'm coming down to Somerset on Friday, are the Cattle Egrets still at Meare Heath?
Cheers

[pabz]

Not been reported today although they can be a little tricky to pin down at the moment. Keep an eye on:
http://pub13.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=1065729998&frmid=14&msgid=0
PABz

[joshjenkinsshaw]

Thanks very much PABz

[Chalky W]

Josh,

still worth the trip though as lots of good stuff at the various somerset reserves as Pabz link will confirm. Hope you enjoy your visit.

[joshjenkinsshaw]

Is the Furruginous Duck at Chew Valley Lake considered an escape of genuine wild bird?
Cheers

[Chalky W]

Is the Furruginous Duck at Chew Valley Lake considered an escape of genuine wild bird?
Cheers

This isn't a definetive answer Josh but I've never heard of it being considered an escapee. It's usually hanging around at some distance but you might get lucky, there's a couple of photos in my gallery of my 'close encounters', check here for the latest Chew updates which give its whereabouts if its been seen. Be aware that you'll need a permit for the hides, details on the website.

www.cvlbirding.co.uk

Chalky

Edit: I forgot to say that there's a Ring Necked Duck at nearby Blagdon Lake at the moment, the chew permit also gives access to Blagdon.

[davidle]

Why are there no birds at the Westhay Moor Somerset Wildliife Trust site?

[Stranger]

Why are there no birds at the Westhay Moor Somerset Wildliife Trust site?

You must have picked a bad day if you did`nt see any birds at all.
I find Westhay better in the winter months than Summer.

[joshjenkinsshaw]

Well, I looked for the Cattle Egrets for 3 hours, never saw them. Then had a Great White Egret at Shapwick, which was nice, but barely compensation...never got to Chew or Blagdon...ah well.

[Stranger]

Cattle Egrets seem to alternate between Shapwick and Ham Wall.
Glossy Ibises reported at Westhay levels and Catcott Lows yesterday.

[luke]

Well, I looked for the Cattle Egrets for 3 hours, never saw them. Then had a Great White Egret at Shapwick, which was nice, but barely compensation...never got to Chew or Blagdon...ah well.

surely GWE is better than cattle egret, they are everywhere these days! ;)

[luke]

Popped into somerset briefly yestuday afternoon. Stopped off at Catcott where 3 Glossy Ibis were showing very well and then went over to Meare Heath for the Starlings. Only one word to describe it.... Amazing!

[Chalky W]

Luke,

you're are a mind reader, I've just logged on to ask the very questions to which you have given the answers to - Ibis still at Catcott and Starlings are at Meare. The big problem for my visit now is the weather.......hopefully tomorrow will be a bit like today.

[shoshone]

This evening at Ham Wall wasn't a patch on last year.

If I were to go again tomorrow I'd head out through ShapwicK Heath.....but if that doesn't work then the Starlings have changed their collective minds ;-)

Jamie

[luke]

why on earth did you go to Ham Wall, the starlings are at Meare Heath! Thats where i reported from and i dont think they have roosted at Ham Wall yet?

[shoshone]

why on earth did you go to Ham Wall, the starlings are at Meare Heath! Thats where i reported from and i dont think they have roosted at Ham Wall yet?

Oh well silly me then. Called the Starling hotline and was told Shapwick and Ham Wall.

They were at Shapwick I understand no worries you win some you lose some. Not a problem as it was a nice evening and living in South Somerset it's no distance for me |=)|

[luke]

hopefully you'll catch up with when this weather settles. Sometimes its worth going very early morning and seeing them leave the roost, and this will also give you a good idea of where they might be the following evening.

[Stranger]

Starlings appeared to be coming from the direction of Mear Heath this morning.
Three Glossy Ibis showing well at Catcott Lows along with Shoveler,Wigeon,Pintail,Lapwings Buzzard and female Marsh Harrier.

[devon.birder]

We watched a Swallow this morning flying over the houses by the car park at Stolford. Earlier one was seen near by at Combwich, probably the same bird.
There was a Purple Sandpiper in with a flock of around 100 Turnstones roosting along the shingle beach east of the car park. A single Snow Bunting was on the grass about 100 yards east of the car park. Two female Scaup on the sea off the power station and 11 Brent Geese on the sea just east of the car park. Roger

[Stranger]

Ring necked Duck and Black throated Diver at Cheddar Reservoir this morning

[Stranger]

RC Pochard and GN Diver also at Cheddar,
Anyone visiting don`t forget to scan the fields around as they can produce some worthwhile birds.Yesterday produced Green Woodpecker,GSW and Sparrowhawk.

[Stranger]

Re Black throated Diver at Cheddar, latest news is that this bird was found poorly on the shore today and, despite efforts of of birders who took it to Secret World animal sanctuary, has died.
Blacknecked Grebes reported today.

[Chalky W]

Cattle Egret at Chew Valley over the last couple of days, showing well at Herons Green. Shame about the demise of the Cheddar Black Throated Diver.

[Jon Turner]

Shame about the demise of the Cheddar Black Throated Diver.

Indeed, but any news today (weds) of the Ring-necked Duck?, which seems to be doing a merry dance around the Somerset lakes!

Thanks in advance...

Jon

[Chalky W]

Indeed, but any news today (weds) of the Ring-necked Duck?, which seems to be doing a merry dance around the Somerset lakes!

Thanks in advance...

Jon

Jon,

Ring-necked Duck still present at Cheddar along with 1 Slavonian Grebe (new in) and 3, poss 4 Black-necked Grebes also a Great Northern Diver seen at Blagdon Lake.

Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow?

Check here which is updated throughout the day

http://www.boc-bristol.org.uk/

[Jon Turner]

Chalky,
Thanks for that.
Happy end-of-year to you too! I'm coming west from Hampshire, so I'll try to drop in and see the RND, which I need to beat my year record! Leaving it a bit late I know, but 1st Jan is a New Year, and a new start....

Jon

[Chalky W]

Chalky,
Thanks for that.
Happy end-of-year to you too! I'm coming west from Hampshire, so I'll try to drop in and see the RND, which I need to beat my year record! Leaving it a bit late I know, but 1st Jan is a New Year, and a new start....

Jon

I don't know if you've been to Cheddar before but it seems your best bet is to find the Axebridge entrance and turn left on the reservoir and walk past the Sailing club towards the Cheddar tower, it's been seen here mostly. It's a long walk around otherwise. Say hello if you see a bloke with a goatee beard and a big camera lens on his back.

Chalky

[Jon Turner]

I don't know if you've been to Cheddar before but it seems your best bet is to find the Axebridge entrance and turn left on the reservoir and walk past the Sailing club towards the Cheddar tower, it's been seen here mostly. It's a long walk around otherwise. Say hello if you see a bloke with a goatee beard and a big camera lens on his back.

Chalky

Aha! I've been a few times over the years (first saw Franklin's Gull back along a way!!!) and usually arrive at the entrance near the tower, so as I know this entry, I'll probably stick with that and walk towards the sailing Club.

Not sure what time, but we'll leave Petersfield at about 9.30 or 10....

I'll keep an eye open for you.

Thanks again

Jon:t:

[kingfisher]

A days birding along the very icy and Snowy Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath produced some cracking birding, including 2 Cattle Egrets, 7 Water Rails some viewable down to at least 6 foot, also Great White Egret and Berwick Swan, plenty of Winter Thrushes Redwing and Fieldfares and two Woodcock seen one along Ham Wall and another flushed while walking towards the Meare Heath Hide.

[Chalky W]

Does anyone know if the Great Northern Diver is still present at Cheddar Res?

I'd like to pop in at the weekend if it is, any news anyone?

[davercox]

Does anyone know if the Great Northern Diver is still present at Cheddar Res?

I'd like to pop in at the weekend if it is, any news anyone?

In case you don't know, the Somerset Ornithological Society (http://www.somersetbirds.net/) site is a good place to look for info like this. According to that it was there yesterday but 'hard to find at times' (difficult to believe but I wasn't there so I can't say!).

[Stranger]

In case you don't know, the Somerset Ornithological Society (http://www.somersetbirds.net/) site is a good place to look for info like this. According to that it was there yesterday but 'hard to find at times' (difficult to believe but I wasn't there so I can't say!).

Cheddar is quite open and the water can get very choppy making it hard to spot anything that is low in the water, such as the GND, especially if just using bins.
Also there are usually a few Cormorants around just to confuse the issue.

[Qingcol]

One Cattle Egret showing well at Cross Moor Drove, Lower Weare, this morning.

[Julian Thomas]

Distance, choppy water, boat activity (Sundays aftenoons especially) can all make it harder to pick birds out on Cheddar Res than you'd think. A succession of GNDs in particular over the years have had a habit of emulating submarines when they're fishing, and this one's no different, so you have to be lucky to be scanning the right bit when it briefly surfaces. Much easier when it's resting between feeds, though it might still take a little while.

Other goodies around Somerset in recent days have included Great White Egret, the Glossy Ibises, Velvet Scoter, Firecrest, Green-winged Teal, Smew, and a good selection of commoner winter fare. As ever the SOS site www.somersetbirds.net has all the latest info.

[StarainBoy]

Other goodies around Somerset in recent days have included Great White Egret, the Glossy Ibises

Finally caught up with the Glossy Ibises at Catcott Lows (http://theandygibb.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/04/glossy-ibis-catcott-lows/) and the Apex Leisure Park red-crested pochard. Do we know how kosher that is?

[llewodowells]

Hi, i was at shapwick friday 5th and saw bewick, whooper and mute swan, marsh harrier, wigeon, mallard, cormorant, little egret, longtail, great and blue tits, buzzard, gadwall, tufted duck, shoveler, greylags, robin, lapwings and to top it all of, an otter came swimming about 2 meters away from the noah's hide. Fantastic views!!

[Julian Thomas]

Finally caught up with the Glossy Ibises at Catcott Lows (http://theandygibb.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/04/glossy-ibis-catcott-lows/) and the Apex Leisure Park red-crested pochard. Do we know how kosher that is?

It comes to bread, apparently, so make your own mind up. Good to hear you caught up with the Glossys - they've been a bit elusive, though usually present.

Other recent highlights around the county include a Great Grey Shrike on Exmoor (though I dipped that on Sunday) and a decent selection of wildfowl on Noah's Lake, Shapwick Heath. You know where to go for all the info.

[StarainBoy]

and a decent selection of wildfowl on Noah's Lake, Shapwick Heath. You know where to go for all the info.

Actually, I'm ashamed to admit that I've not yet found Noah's and maps don't seem to be much use. Anyone have a grid ref or directions?

[davercox]

I imagine Julian means this site (http://www.somersetbirds.net/).

[StarainBoy]

Actually, I'm ashamed to admit that I've not yet found Noah's and maps don't seem to be much use. Anyone have a grid ref or directions?

It's OK, folks, I found it, which was the Good News, Bad News (http://theandygibb.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/11/good-news-bad-news/) was that the hide's titchy enough that it was full.

[davercox]

Yes, I'm afraid that hide does get like that. It's the otters, you know.

[dantheman]

Photographers, people eating their sandwiches ... now the problem is Otters in the hides? :eek!:

[The Kerreran]

Yes it is - the trouble is they will insist on sitting with their tails beside them, thus taking up enough room for two people each. Even worse, if you ask them to budge up a bit, they accuse you of speciesism...

[StarainBoy]

I understand it's because the otters have heard that homo sapiens is in the area. They can't quite believe the sapiens bit...

[AlanCh]

My wife and I are visiting Somerset/Dorset for a few days from March 14, staying in Yeovil. Can anyone recommend good birding locations in the area that are accessible by wheelchair?

[earleybird]

My wife and I are visiting Somerset/Dorset for a few days from March 14, staying in Yeovil. Can anyone recommend good birding locations in the area that are accessible by wheelchair?

Hi Alan
I can certainly recommend Taunton behind the Audi Dealership on Priory Way.
Last year was spectacular. Access is off The Toneway take the one way slip road which leads behind the Audi garage and park just past Jewsons.
The Starlings swarm right above your head and periodically land on ajacent trees and a radio mast approx 60 feet away.
You could watch it all from inside the car if its more comfortable otherwise the access road is very quiet after 5pm and quite safe for wheelchairs if you park in one of the office entrances.

If you contact me when you are down i'll give you precise directions.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=obridge+taunton&sll=50.906911,-2.792393&sspn=0.010689,0.028689&ie=UTF8&hq=obridge&hnear=Taunton,+UK&ll=51.022117,-3.08689&spn=0.005331,0.014344&z=17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V83ysbs7zE

[Stranger]

You don`t say whether you have access to a car or how far you are prepared to travel.
Ham wall has good wheelchair access,though you will need to obtain a key,more details should be avalable on the RSB Website

[AlanCh]

Hi Alan
I can certainly recommend Taunton behind the Audi Dealership on Priory Way.
Last year was spectacular. Access is off The Toneway take the one way slip road which leads behind the Audi garage and park just past Jewsons.
The Starlings swarm right above your head and periodically land on ajacent trees and a radio mast approx 60 feet away.

You don`t say whether you have access to a car or how far you are prepared to travel.
Ham wall has good wheelchair access,though you will need to obtain a key,more details should be avalable on the RSB Website

Thanks to you both - with luck we'll get to both of these. We do travel by car, so should be easy to get to.

[Joseph N]

Hello folks,

Was hoping to visit the Ham Wall area in a few weeks time in search of GW Egret, Glossy Ibis, and Cattle Egret, all of which have been reported in the area recently. I am aware these species will be difficult and I'm not expecting them. However even though I've been to the area, I would like to clarify the difference to all the places that these species are reported in. I know they're all the same area, but where in the area is what I'd like to know. For example, you see reports from Meare Heath, Walton Heath, Shapwick Heath, Ham Wall... Where are these places in relation to the area? I know there is a long path you can take towards Glastonbury where the Little Bittern was seen, and that's Ham Wall. Or am I wrong? Hopefully I don't sound too confusing. Its just I'm not that familiar with the area, and wanted to clarify things so I know more about the area for the time I'll be there.

If anyone can help, then thank you,

ATB, Joseph

[davercox]

Joseph

As ever the SOS site www.somersetbirds.net has all the latest info.
See the above; also the bird news pages on there are the best place to find out what's about.

If you know where Ham Wall RSPB is then the rest are adjacent.
Walton Heath is to the south, the other side of the Brue South Drain.
Shapwick Heath is to the west of that, the other side of the road (car park here). And Meare Heath is to the north of Shapwick Heath, across the drain.

[Joseph N]

Ok thank you very much for clairifying that davercox. ;)

ATB

Joseph