Cheddar Reservoir from 1st February 2019
Redshank present along the south bank this morning, but very windy conditions.
Typical! Tonight was the first night in approx 3 weeks I was unable to get to the roost and there were 2 kittiwake (ad and 1w) present. I’ll be down there early doors, so I’ll post news on twitter if they’re still present.
GWe flew west along the southern end of the res this afternoon. The long staying GNd, Scaup and 1w Med gull were all present and correct, whilst 5 Goosander and 6 Shoveller were also about. The first Little gulls should be along on the next easterly airflow, and the end of March can be good for one of the rarer grebes - at least that’s what I’m hoping as things are a bit stale at the moment!
2 Sand martin and a curlew present on Sunday early am, both new for the year. 2 Goosander, singles of Med gull, Scaup and GNd still present this evening.
Male scaup still there Sunday. No sign of GND.
Single Sand Martin in MiddleMoor Lane, alongside the res this AM ... and 3 very noisy woody’s
GND off sailing club again yesterday afternoon
GND close to Yacht Club, 17 shovelers displaying, 2 gadwall. Scaup with 2 tufted ducks near Cheddar Tower. 5 ravens flying high over neighbouring fields, Axbridge side.
1st Shelduck of the spring and 3 ad med gulls best so far this evening. GNd looks to have departed.
Edit @ 17:27; now 1w, 2w and 3 ad med gulls in the roost, with drake goldeneye in SE corner (1st I’ve seen here this year & only 2nd of 2019 to my knowledge). GNd has also appeared…
No sign of the GNd this morning (84th day) during a slow walk around the res, though there have been a couple of occasions when I’ve not seen it earlier in the winter. Male Scaup still proving faithful to the Cheddar valve tower (133 days), whilst 6 Shoveller and 34 Wigeon were also present, with a calling Cetti’s warbler near the Strawberry line the first record of 2019 as far as I know. The no’s of gulls present in the roost is increasing daily, with good no’s of BHG, CG and LBBG indicating return passage has commenced - hopefully there will be either a Glauc or Icer in the roost before much longer, as upto 5 Med gull are present each evening as well as upto 3 Yellow legged.
Last weeks highlight was a pair of Marsh harrier which were visible from the res, but only present for one day (in suitable habitat) before moving off.
Scaup showing well by the Cheddar tower this afternoon and great northern diver over towards the west side
Great Northern Diver near the Axbridge gate this afternoon
Scaup and diver present and correct at Cheddar end this afternoon
Good views of the GND near the skate park this afternoon.
Yes the ring was similar, I thought there may be another digit but couldn’t make it out. I tired to contact Polish ringers but couldn’t get the e mail address to work