Sunday 05 February – Chew Valley Lake Leader: Alan Daniells

Six members met at Herriott’s Bridge on a dry, sunny, but chilly morning. The water was very high which seemed to have put off all the waders. At Herriott’s we saw Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Jackdaw, a Grey Heron, and a Grey Wagtail. One possible first year Mediterranean Gull was spotted on the pool. At Stratford Hide, we were surprised to see the area either side of the boardwalk completely flooded and the islands in front of the hide under water. From the hide we added Pochard to the list, heard a Cetti’s Warbler and possibly glimpsed it in the reeds. Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker were both heard. Moving onto the Moreton Hide we saw a Jay along the lane and around 100 Redwing in the fields. At the lake, we saw a Kingfisher. Raven were calling. A female Sparrowhawk was flying between trees and perching when we exited the hide. At Herons Green we spotted a female Smew and a Great Black-backed Gull as well as a Great White Egret, and a Little Egret on the pool. Some of us moved on to Villice Hide where we completed the list with Wigeon, a female Shoveler and a Goldcrest. 36 species in total (thanks to Alan for leading). Alan Daniells