Cheddar Reservoir - from 1st May 2018
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable afternoon’s birding I’ve had.
Arrived at the res around 5pm, and within 10 mins I’d located a juv Sabine’s gull, with a group of BHG, Arctic tern and a 1w Little gull. Headed over to the Cheddar side of the res for better views, when I found 2 Grey phal (ad w and a new juv/1w bird). Jeff Hazell and his wife joined me for a little while to watch the 2 phalarope, but sadly the Sabine’s had departed after 15-20 mins with a few BHG resulting in a dip for Jeff.
I was then joined by stalwart James Fiddock. We were enjoying the Phalarope feeding at close range when I noticed a small dark bird out in the middle, heading rapidly towards us. I won’t repeat exactly what I said to James, but it was to the affect of “blimey, that appears to be a Leach’s petrel”. The bird whizzed across the res and disappeared over the embankment towards the Rugby pitch. We spent about 15 mins looking for the bird, but were unable to find it.
Absolutely unprecedented, sea-watching to match the coast!
Black tern still this afternoon and phalarope has returned, reported being harried by pied wagtails
Managed two brief views of the black tern this afternoon before wind and rain stopped play.
Black tern showing well and feeding near entrance. Caught a tiny pike, gulls giving it a hard time. Cheers Martin for the heads up.
Flight shot:
I didn’t see the Phalarope today but there was a Black Tern and a Common Sandpiper on the exposed mud/sand in front of the Boatyard.
Phalarope still present this afternoon.
P. S. Bristol Water officer was there requesting people/dogs/photographers etc walking on bank to get back onto path.
Another phalarope on the huntspill.
Mike
Grey phalarope still present to the east of Axbridge entrance until at least 07:15, accompanied by a common sandpiper and a solitary black-tailed godwit. Other highlights included: Canada goose 115, great white egret 1, teal 100, mute swan 27, tufted duck 4, wheatear 2 and linnet 12.
Phalarope still present and confiding this morning despite a lot of boats on the res. and too many photographers trying to get very close.
Please see Forum, under General Matters, for Cheddar Reservoir and Its Grey Phalarope (Moderator)
Also early morning, a flock of 20 Knot and 2 Black-tailed Godwit in flight over the southern half of the reservoir. They came close to landing several times but eventually headed off west.
Still there this morning between Axbridge and sailing club. Also a great white egret.
Grey Phalarope still present between 9.30 and 12pm this morning when I left.
Also present was a Mediterranean Gull and a Sanderling.
Footage of the Phalarope on my YouTube here;
https://youtu.be/Q4sT94pu5yo
Phalarope feeding on the exposed mud, at times close to the path, between 8.30 and 9.35am (still present when I left). GR ST4418.5430.
Some debate as to age of bird according to some birders present this morning.
Great White Egret and a Grey Heron also feeding along the waters edge.
Great views of the juv Grey phalarope yesterday afternoon. Put yourself in the right place and it will walk right up to you. A couple of shots here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cosperwosper/44679495311
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cosperwosper/44679476631
Very welcome Jeff, nice to meet you and your wife earlier. Good effort with the video grab, the yellow base to the bill is apparent in that shot. I’ll put news out first thing if it’s still present tomorrow.