Seven of us turned up at Ham Wall car park with another member joining us part way. A very wet and windy
afternoon but plenty of birds nonetheless, 39 species in total. We headed out to Shapwick Heath NNR where we paid a visit to Tower Hide and then Noah’s Hide where we saw Pintail and plenty of other ducks, alas the American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal which were reportedly hanging around there eluded us! We then came back to RSPB. Ham Wall NNR where the first viewing platform gave us views of Marsh Harrier and Great White Egret, with a good few Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings hunkering down in the rain and windy conditions. We observed the Starling murmuration from the second viewing platform. A good few hundred thousand Starlings came in to roost. We had a wonderful display, although a little bit distant in the main, some were coming right over our heads and we witnessed a Peregrine Falcon picking a Starling off and taking it down for a well-earned supper. As darkness fell, we returned to our cars, very much soaked but happy. Thanks to all who braved the conditions for a good afternoon’s birding. (Thanks to Elaine and Nick for leading.) Elaine Lambert