Unfortunately this is the most obvious example of a general policy change on the Avalon Marshes. Water levels have been raised or allowed to rise (the weather is a factor but only this month) in Westhay Moor, Canada Farm, Catcott Lows, Ham Wall and of course Shapwick Heath. And little vegetation clearance seems to be hampering any chance to see waders on any of these reserves.  It is common to see small flocks of waders wandering around and looking in vain for suitable feeding areas on muddy margins but there are none that are visible. Last year at this date in Ham Wall we had Spotted Crake, Wood Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers, Ruff, Redshank and Blackwits among others. And of course Cheddar Res and Chew Valley are almost devoid of wader habitat but they are primarily reservoirs so are not going to pump water out for the benefit of birds or birders. Last year at Cheddar with many Little Stints easily visible is a distant memory. Otterhampton is the only hope and even that has been reprofiled in recent weeks so no waders there either until it settles down.

Thanks for sharing the response you got from NE Jamie. This is very disappointing news, especially as such a lot of effort and funds went into building the elevated hide overlooking what was once a very productive scrape.

I recently contacted NE to ask about the draining of the scrape at Shapwick (or lack thereof). I’ve received a detailed response that I thought may be of interest to others (in case you already didn’t know the situation)...

“The practice first stopped because the drove where the pump was positioned collapsed and due to covid and a backlog of works this took some time to rebuild. During his time our very ancient pump was stolen. To request allocation for funding for a new one we needed to review our reasoning for its use. The cost of a new pump, the rising cost of fuel, and the need to reduce our carbon footprint, rightly put a spotlight on how much draining the scrape was costing (money and carbon release), and if this was for a substantial ecological benefit. Unfortunately, although a lovely thing to have to attract birds for visitors to see, the area created did not have a strong ecological function in the landscape. We have been and still are investigating solar options, although a solution has not yet been found. We are still hoping to find a way to recontinue at some point.”

I would be great if a solar option were found, but it seems like the cost of such a thing may be prohibitive.

There was a female & 3 male wigeon at Catcott after the main exodus, & other males still at Greylake, Steart & Slimbridge also in first half of May

Some buzzards can have white rumps…

Update - have got pictures of what looks like a tuftie with huge amount of white around bill

Slightly intrigued by 2 very fresh juv Wigeon and 2 adults on 2vp lagoon this evening (didn’t see the 2 adults together but would be amazed if it was just a single bird moving about).  No Garganey or Pintail and viewing there is terrible now due to the newly sprouted seeds on the reed heads.

Experienced birders saw a female scaup type on Noah’s this morning (along with the most excellent WWB Tern of course).  Any scaup is extremely rare on the Marshes so I hope it reappears.  Sean D saw a Spotted Redshank there first thing briefly so Noah’s has had a bit of a day.

And to finish off the oddities, a non-birder told me they saw a female Hen Harrier on Ham Wall this evening, and their description sounded pretty good (but I’d still be surprised if it was one…)

3 Green Sands gave nice views on roadside peat workings at Westhay this evening. Also a few Snipe present.

Jamie - afraid MH scrape has not been drained for a few years now.  Very disappointing especially in view of the ease with which a bit of wet mud attracts migrant waders inland in Somerset.  They are out there, flying over, and desperate for somewhere to stop and feed.

Haven’t been able to visit for quite a while. Can I ask, do they still drain the scrape at Shapwick every autumn, making it the wader hotspot?

Don’t think anyone saw Purple Heron today, but did see Bittern, water Rail, Snipe, 9 Cattle Egret, Kingfisher (at 2 hides), Buzzard & 3 Marsh Harriers

Garganey again today on vp2 lagoon, I would guess adult female. Also a surprise eclipse drake Pintail.

And it was 1.10 pm from the tower hide I’m told

Ken Peach posted some excellent flight photos on Somerset Nature Photography FB group (also juvenile Water Rail & Bearded Tit)

A skulking female-type Garganey on Ham Wall 2VP lagoon this evening. Can’t remember the last time I saw one on the Levels. Late spring I guess.

If anyone has more detail on today’s reported juv Purple Heron from Westhay, would be great to hear it.

2 adult Arctic Terns on Noah’s this morning.

A Hornet was patrolling the very busy buddleia in the Shapwick car park and a Hummingbird Hawk-moth was part of the throng. At the Ham Wall railway bridge, 3 Grass Snakes were just about visible and a Red Underwing was roosting.

Noah’s Lake this evening. one Tern seen distantly ,with binoculars only, from the main track , Common or Arctic on size .Also at least ten Swift among 20 or so Swallows and Sand Martins.

Cuckoo along the Brue between Westhay & Meare today, plus a large mixed flock of Long-tailed with other Tits. Also swallows, sand & house martins at Catcott (are they heading south already?)

Family of swans at Burtle Road peat pools, with a pair of Canadas & a couple of young Little Grebes, didn’t see any Egyptian Geese, but there’s lots of cover now