01-Nov-2023
Met a fellow birder mid-morning while looking for the Yellow-browed Warbler at Shapwick Heath and he told me that he had brief views of the Squacco Heron in reeds on Walton Carp Fishery lake along Sharpham Lane earlier this morning.

27-Oct-2023
Squacco Heron still Sharpham Lane from bridge over South Drain next to Woodland Horticulture Map Ref: ST457384. Looking long way west (c.1000m) along the Drain to its sharp RH bend with metal barred gate on left. Feeding in stubble field behind this gate 11:00 to 12:15, then flew short distance along the Drain and out-of-sight. The lone Swallow also seen.

A bit late to post, but I was surprised to see the Squacco heron in flight over VP2 late afternoon Sunday, heading north - presumably heading off to roost somewhere.

25-Oct-2023
That’s so very kind of you Geoff, but then you haven’t seen me recently. At 82 yrs have lost any youthful looks!
BTW, a look over the partially flooded stubble-field this morning from 11:00 to 12:30 was unsuccessful, but a lone Swallow around Woodland Horticultural works was good to see.

The bird showed quite well yesterday (24/10) around midday from Sharpham Lane.  It was originally seen at the far western end of the drain from the bridge.  It then flew and landed briefly in the stubble field adjacent to the carp ponds before settling on the southern bank of the drain. After a short stay it took off and flew back towards Ham Wall. 

There were still a few juvenile Swallows in the area perching on wires adjacent to the wood processing plant.

I was also paid a great compliment yesterday when one birder present asked me if I was “Jeff Hazell”.  I replied that he was mistaken and that the real JH is far better looking than I am!!

Showing today identically to yesterday

Squacco Heron showing very well today between 1.30-2pm, feeding in the stubble maize fields opposite Walton carp lakes.
Seen feeding in the flooded areas of field very close to the river.
Flew off, heading west over the carp lakes.

14-Oct-2023 at 12:15 hrs.
The immature Squacco Heron showed well, if briefly, when it flew from its usual place in the far SW corner of Long Drove lake at Sharpham and landed in a water-side willow on the adjacent Swan Lake. For my photo click on this link below.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F8aDNVbXMAArNO8?format=jpg&name=small

13-Oct-2023
Squacco Heron still present this morning at 11:00 hrs in the same place. Also 130 Cattle Egrets around cattle in adjoining field.

9-Oct-2023
Squacco Heron showed well thro’ a ‘scope in far SW corner of Long Drove lake (next to Ham Wall RSPB), looking from Sharpham Lane between 11:15 & 11:25 this morning. Perched just above water in low branches of tree & also 2 short flights. Early-afternoon reported perched with Cattle Egrets in NW corner of lake. Present here with occasional sightings since 6th.