Yet again somebody right down on the slipway disturbing 578 coot, 19 Wigeon, over 80 teal, 11 Shoveller, Pintail and goodness knows what else. Anybody who disagrees with this idea is welcome to view the panoramic shot I posted on twitter showing a birder/tog and 2 phalarope on the shore, and 700+ birds about 50m offshore.

Is it ignorance, stupidity or downright lack of care for other people/birds using the site?

I’ll personally be glad when the phalarope’s move on.

well this evening just about typified the selfishness of those “in pursuit of the perfect photo” approx 6 30-40 pm i was watching the pair of Phalaropes, when some guy with with a decent set of lens on his camera proceded to the extreme edge of the exposed mud and in doing so scared off one of the birds, oblivious to this he then got to within 5 metres of the remaining bird taking pictures,  i walked off slightly aggrieved and annoyed at his behaviour

19-Sep-2018
From Neville Hiscox
Re: Bristol Water:  there has been an ongoing thing about people and dog walkers with the “intrusion” into the water and on the res banks when water is low, and people leaving large amounts of rubbish after enjoying the facility, there has been talk of either banning access or erecting a barrier around the whole thing , bearing in mind it is not a public footpath, and that each year notices are posted on the gates that CHRISTMAS DAY people are not meant to use the res in any shape or form

16-Sep-2018
From Daniel Watson
Re: Cheddar Reservoir
PLEASE can I ask that any visiting birders or photographers do not go down onto the shoreline for a better view/shot. The Grey Phalarope is not the only bird using this area, there are good numbers of coot, teal, mallard and other dabbling ducks, as well as gulls, cormorants and herons using this area. Being on the shoreline disturbs all the birds, simple as that, and there are no excuses.
Just because the ‘phal’ isn’t worried, doesn’t mean that other species aren’t affected. I called in 3x yesterday and on each visit there was somebody on this area, within 10 mins of the people/person in question leaving, the teal etc were back on the shoreline. I appreciate that most people have stayed up the top, and for that I am grateful.
I’m already beginning to regret putting the news out, and if this behaviour continues I won’t be in future.
Thanks.