Many Thanks to all who responded to my request for sightings of Black Tailed Godwits on the Levels this winter. I’ve now finished my look!
It’s far from being a scientific survey but from the reports I received there has been a sad lack of these birds in this area this winter, the highest count being 127 on Ham Wall on 24th. Nov.:  Greylake ( 28 on 1st. Dec) and Catcott(18 on 29 Dec.)  were highest from those reserves . More surprising was the almost complete absence of Godwits on West Sedgemoor ( 12 on 24th Dec.)  highest I got from there.
Steart also has lacked wintering Blackwits, thanks to Dick Best and his note on this site saying that there was a lack of Blk. Wits on the coast.
Thanks again.
Alan.

Thanks Dick,  Ive taken a note of your comments and will pass them on to Peter Potts together with what I’ve been told by folks who replied to my request re Black Wits. The Avalon Marshes complex together wit Greylake and West Sedgemoor have been almost devoid of this species over the last two months!

I’ve just seen your message Alan, I know this is too late and not referring to the Avalon Marshes but Black-tailed Godwits have been very scarce on Steart in 2019, the only regular site being Stockland Marsh with a flock varying in number from 50-150 in March-October, and almost none in winter months.  This compares badly with flocks of 300-500 in 2018.

Thanks Alick, duly noted and added to my meagre spreadsheet numbers!

Two seen roosting in the flooded fields on Greylake RSPB at around 1200 today.

Just to ask again . If anyone see any Black tailed Godwits on the Somerset levels between now and the New Year could you please let me know direct (see my post below) I’ve had a few replies and thanks for those, they seem to back up the thought that there are indeed few Godwits on the levels so far this winter!

Are there many Black Tailed Godwits on the Levels at this time?
If anyone sees a flock could they count/estimate its number and post it here or directly to me email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Sites would include the Avalon Marshes complex including Ham Wall, Shapwick Catcott Westhay etc. plus Greylake and West Sedgemoor. You may also know other areas where they occur that I’m not familiar with. I have been asked this question by Pete Potts who helps coordinate colour ringing of this species. I get the impression that there are not that many, having seen only one flock of around 70 recently on Ham Wall and just less than 10 a couple of times recently on Catcott Lows. Any sightings between now and the end of the year would Be helpful.