Somerset Birding Forum

Catcott Lows

2026-07-25T10:48:49+00:00

Yesterday evening 24th , 1 Glossy Ibis present, flew off towards Shapwick at 6.40pm. Also Water Rail chicks, Yellow Wagtail, pair of Kestrel, and. 1 Red Kite

Levels-Birder: My latest video of birding in Somerset in June & Early-July 2026

2026-07-15T16:01:09+00:00

My latest YouTube video, Birding at Catcott Lows and Elsewhere on The Somerset Levels June to Early-July 2026, can be seen by clicking on the link below.
If necessary, click on small gearwheel in lower RH corner, then set quality to 1080p HD.

https://youtu.be/O4SgDzFThdo

Common Tern - Ham Wall

2026-07-06T16:05:51+00:00

6-July-2026
A Common Tern flew N to S over VP1 at RSPB Ham Wall this morning. Andy Kirby saw & videoed 2 together (pair?) here on 22-June. Spoke to him this morning and told that they have been seen flying around carrying a fish, but not known if any breeding activity is taking place. Apparently they can be elusive - took me 3 visits to see this one.

Kestrels

2026-07-05T20:25:48+00:00

Kestrels have bred successfully approx 300 yards from the back of ours, Coleford and on the edge of Launcherley.
At least 3 other pairs within a couple of miles of Coleford but I have not had time to ascertain if breeding has been successful or otherwise.

East Woodlands

2026-07-05T20:21:31+00:00

A couple of pairs of Spotted Flycatchers collecting food, fledged Marsh Tits, fledged Song Thrushes, a late brood of Great Tits, fledged Robins and young Sparrowhawks heard.

A good selection of Butterflies (no white admirals though) and a large Butterfly flying around near the tops of some tree caused a bit of a panic. Sadly I couldn’t relocate it.

Levels-Birder: My latest video of birding in Somerset in May & Early-June 2026

2026-06-15T15:12:40+00:00

My latest YouTube video, THE SOMERSET LEVELS - Birding May to Early-June 2026, can be seen by clicking on the link below.
If necessary, click on the small gear wheel icon in the lower RH cnr and set Quality to 1080p

https://youtu.be/XeGoC6ejBJc

Savi’s Warbler

2026-06-15T08:20:48+00:00

15-June-2026
Per BirdGuides: Singing male still, heard and briefly seen from The Lows Hide (car park hide) at Catcott Lows y’day (14th) at 21:01hrs. Previously heard y’day at 19:42hrs and also heard the evening of the 13th at 19:17hrs. I’ve not tried yet, but will give it a go this evening.

Exmoor Today

2026-06-13T21:33:10+00:00

A walk up Weir Water from Robber’s Bridge this morning in great company with some excellent birds
seen: 9 Willow Warbler, 6 Redstart, singles of Whinchat and Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Spotted Flycatcher
1 with young, a Pied Flycatcher, 4 Linnet, 2 Nuthatch, and 2 Grasshopper Warbler heard only.
Great walk along the river in lovely weather .

Yellowhammer

2026-06-12T14:57:42+00:00

My first of the year, a male, heard and then seen on Wood Lane, Butleigh. They used to be common here but in recent years I have seen very few.
Have seen many more Whitethroat and Painted Lady butterflies around the village this year than in previous years.

Marsh Harrier

2026-06-10T11:55:34+00:00

One for the Bird Report: Female Marsh Harrier late evening (20:15hrs) 09-June-2026 on Butleigh Moor. Flew in high above tree-tops from the east carring prey, then slowly lost height and disapeared behind low trees into an area of tall rush some 1/4 of a mile from our parked-up car. Did not reapear in next 30-mins - possibly nesting?
We were listening for Quail, but none heard 19:45 to 21:00hrs.
Have corrected the date to 09-June-2026, it did read 09-May-2026 - Silly old me!