What a great time of year to visit Ham Wall – Bitterns booming, Cuckoos calling and warblers warbling! The air was filled with dragonflies and damselflies and many birds were nurturing their young. Nine of us met in the car park at 09:00, later to be joined by others so we eventually totalled 15. On the way to the first viewpoint, we stopped to admire a female Blackcap preening and posing for us. From the Tor View Hide we heard a Cuckoo and saw a Bittern flying in the distance. On the way towards Avalon Hide we heard a variety of warblers (including Garden and Willow) and caught a glimpse of some, but it was rather breezy so they kept mostly out of sight. Highlights at Avalon Hide were a flock of five Cranes circling in the distance – what a treat! – and through a scope we could just see a Barn Owl in its box. Marsh Harriers showed well and a flock of Sand Martins were nesting rather precariously in a huge soil heap on the outskirts of the reserve, evidently preferring this site to the purpose-built RSPB accommodation! A Hobby showed well near Viewpoint 2 on the return route and some also saw the Blue-winged Teal at Viewpoint 1 which had attracted a crowd. A great day out, worth getting up early on a Sunday for, and then rain stayed away! Thank you to Peter for leading the walk and bringing his scope. Denise Rudeford