The weather has been a little windy for ringing lately and with not too much better to do, having dragged EP with us, we headed off to Somerset, drawn by the Hudsonian Godwit and a visit to some reserves we have never been to before. We were surprised that there are two excellant sites on opposite sides of the road, RSPB Ham Wall to the south and Shipwack and Meare Heaths to the north.
Unfortunately it was a slightly cool day, but fortunately it was an easy bird to see, a walk 300 metres up the old railway line and there it was! Got some nice flight views as the flock was put up occasionally by over flying Harrier.
Unfortunately it was a slightly cool day, but fortunately it was an easy bird to see, a walk 300 metres up the old railway line and there it was! Got some nice flight views as the flock was put up occasionally by over flying Harrier.
Hudsonian Godwit
Shapwick Heath
After some good views of the Godwit, which apart from the Black-tailes there, the only other waders were a single Ruff and Redshank, plus a nice male Garganey at the back of the pool. We wandered along the railway overlooking Shapwick Heath, were we heard two booming Bitterns and saw several Marsh Harriers, Buzzards, Hobbies, Little Egrets and Cetti's Warblers on both side of the track.
We then had a look around Ham Wall were there at least 15+ Hobbies, several Little Egrets, Buzzards and Marsh Harriers again, a Cuckoo and Whimbrel , two Bitterns booming, plus two seen in long flights across either side of the reserve, and 3 Great White Egrets.
Ham Wall RSPB