Page 4 - Out Birding Winter 2023

Event Reports
Please send reports as a Word a􏰀achment or in the body of an email to Pat: pat.cro􏰁on@b􏰂nternet.com
Somerset Levels 31/03 – 02\04 2023
Our weekend started with a get together in the bar and restaurant of our hotel on Friday night, all 15 of us. A splendid mix of familiar and new faces.
The following morning, a􏰁er a very adequate breakfast, we all headed off to our first birding spot, the WWT Steart Point. Despite the weather not being very kind to us we s􏰂ll managed an excellent day’s birding at this premier reserve. WWT have created a magnificent reserve with wonderful facili􏰂es and easy to navigate pathways. The cold wet weather did hold back some of the migrants we were hoping to see but wildfowl numbers were good with 100+ Shelduck good numbers of Shoveler, Teal and a few Gadwall and Wigeon. Waders such as Avocet, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit gave us good views from the hides. Walking the pathways and using the hides to dodge the weather, we managed to observe a few early migrants. Swallow was the first, followed by Wheater, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
A􏰁er lunch the weather cleared and we made our way to the coastal area of the reserve. A very good shout from Mike and we had a magnificent views of, not one but two Short-eared Owls. At one point they passed within feet of us: the excitement was electric, a very special way to end off our first day. We clocked 51 species in all, which considering the cold and wet weather, delighted us.
A􏰁er a very enjoyable evening meal all together and lots of birding reminiscing, we re􏰂red to bed in an􏰂cipa􏰂on of the following day’s birding at RSPB Ham Wall.
We were not to be disappointed as this splendid reserve welcomed us as we stepped out of our cars, with several booming Bi􏰀ern. The weather also was on our side which was wonderful for what we were hoping to see. As we made our way from the car park to our first viewing pla􏰃orm, over the vast expanse of water and reed beds, we were serenaded by a Blackcap singing from what seemed like every available bush. They were joined by Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, and Ce􏰄’s Warbler. Many other pas- serines were in full song, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Reed Bun􏰂ng and many more. Spring had arrived!
We were greeted at the first viewing pla􏰃orm and main body of water by more booming Bi􏰀ern, one eventually took flight and gave us all splendid views. It was difficult to know where to look first as there were 3 Garganey fairly close to us, together with a Spo􏰀ed Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit. Someone then saw 2 circling Glossy Ibis. This was turning into a great day’s birding. Great White Egret was an excellent 􏰂ck for us also, together with Pintail. Waterfowl numbers were good with 12 species and the water was alive with 50+ Sand Mar􏰂n.
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