Somerset Yesterday

The two Martins and myself got up at stupid o'clock yesterday in my case 2.45am to go to Shapwick, Greylake and Westhay reserves to a nice bright day with just a little chill in the air. We arrived at Shapwick around the 5.45am mark and by 6.55 we had seen Glossy Ibis, Bittern, Garganey, Hobby, Great White Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Reed Warbler, and all the other usual suspects which are around the reedbeds. Later five species of Dragonflies were very much appreciated, 4 Spot Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly, Variable Damsefly, Azure Damselfly and Red-Eyed Damselfly.

We then went over to Greylake to look for Yellow Wagtails which took awhile but eventually two took pity on us and showing although quite distant. We also finally saw a Cuckoo after hearing a few earlier and Mr Bell done his good deed for the day by showing the cuckoo in his scope to an excited young boy and his nan. Martin Bevan also had a very quick glimpse of a Water Vole which we could all hear munching something behind some vegetation. It had warmed up by now and a few butterflies started to appear. I ended up with two new for the year in Small Copper and Green Veined White.

Third stop of the day was Westhay to look for some Bearded Tits. Not unsurprisingly these did not show but we had a very nice surprise when Mr Bell saw an Osprey circling around the back of the reserve. A year tick for all of us. Reed Warblers were very showy here with loads singing and perching more or less right out in the open.

Last stop of the day was Goldcliff on the way home to look for the Temminck's Stints that have been there for a few days. Although there were quite a few people looking for them they were not located again that evening.

A few good day out with lots of year ticks for us all, birds as well as insects.

Grey Heron

4 Spot Chaser

Reed Warbler

Reed Warbler

Cetti's Warbler

Cetti's Warbler