Saturday 31 August – Chew Valley Lake

Twelve members met at Herriott’s Bridge on a warm sunny morning for this walk around the various areas of the Lake. At Herriott’s Bridge and pool we all observed three Black-Tailed Godwit, seven Ruff as well as Gadwall, Shoveler and Teal. A small flock of ten Long-tailed Tits flew into some dense bushes on the lakeside of Herriott’s Bridge along with a small creamy coloured bird that vanished into the dense undergrowth. A bird matching this description was later identified as a juvenile Reed Bunting by another group visiting the lake. Just before leaving this area some members observed a Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and two Kingfishers that flew across the pool from the lakeside. Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin were also observed. Moving to Heron’s Green Bay all members had good views of a Ferruginous Duck with a group of Tufted Duck not far from the shore. Both Common and Green Sandpiper were noted as well as two Snipe, four Little Egrets, eight Little Grebe as well as a small number of Pied Wagtail and a single Meadow Pipit. Just before moving off to Villice Bay Hide members had a good view of a Wheatear. After only adding three Grey Herons to our tally at Villice Bay we finished off the meet at Stratford Hide where we observed Pochard, Teal, and Wigeon. A probable Garganey was located as well as two Ruddy Duck and a further Wheatear rounded off what was a good mornings birding. Total number of species recorded for the morning was 44. Thanks to Charles Stapleton for leading.