We met at our Guest House on the outskirts of Westhay Village at 12 noon for the start of our 'Levels' Tour. The sky was overcast with light showers of drizzle. After checking in and unpacking we set off for our first birding excursion to Westhay Moor. A walk along one of the central droves led us to 10 acre lake and a series of lagoons holding large expanses of reeds.
We quickly notched up many species of waterfowl: Mallard, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon and Mute Swan. A great surprise was a Bittern which we inadvertently flushed from the reeds. We soon relocated the bird and had prolonged views of it as it fed on live fish which it caught at the waters edge, We couldn't top that, but we found Coal, Long-tailed, Blue & Great Tits, Goldcrest, Linnet, Goldfinch and our target bird - Goosander (5 females).
Two pictures of the first Bittern we encountered - it caught 2 small Rudd whilst we were watching
On thew way back to the bus we found a second Bittern which flew off as we approached the bus, wow what a good start to the tour.
The sky cleared, the breeze dropped, perfect conditions for the Starling Roost, so we set off for Ham Wall. From the embankment which dissects the reserve we added several new birds to our list, Great White Egret (3), Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier to name but a few.
As the light began to fade the Starlings began to appear in large, distant flocks, A Peregrine played havoc with the birds causing them to form all kinds of bizarre patterns and shapes. However the potential for a great roost was dashed when the main flocks were seen to be flying to very distant reedbeds. It was a disappointment but we still had good views of hundred of thousands of birds as they crossed the orange evening sky. On consolation was the discovery of 2 Water Rails in one of the large lagoons.
It was now too dark to bird watch so we set off for the short journey to the guest house.
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