Lunchtime today and for the first time for several weeks a Kingfisher flew across in front of the car park hide. There are at least 8 Cattle Egret still regularly on the Lows mostly distant but the cattle they accompany do venture up to the pools to drink offering close views, although this could mean waiting for several hours! Today there was also an adult Little Grebe in front of the hide.  Up to 100 Lapwing have also been present this week but difficult to see in the tall veg!

The 3 Egyptian geese dropped in at 11am this morning. Moved of South and West at 1125, but returned 5 minutes later before finally heading off North-west just before noon.

Information from Mark Blake Somerset Wildlife Trust
“Please note that from 25-28th June, there will be limited access to Catcott Lows Hide as we will be fixing potholes in the drove leading to hide & replacing the access ramp to the hide. This may cause some noise so we apologise for any inconvenience. Thank you. “
I understand that we can access the hide on foot during the working period but this will mean parking vehicles at the entrance to Higher Ropes Drove.

James Packer and I had an adult Purple heron fly NNE across the marsh late last night in the direction of Burtle/Westhay. Worth keeping an eye open in the general vicinity.

During a period of sunshine this morning, about 10.30am, there were substantial numbers of Swifts hawking insects only a few meters above the ground; however hirundines were few in numbers with only 5 House Martins seen.
3 little Egrets and 5 Cattle Egrets foraging, often disappearing amongst the Rushes.
A passing female Marsh Harrier carrying prey flew from behind the west hide (from the southwest) going east northeast and out of sight.
At the margins of the car park Blackcap, Whitethroat and Dunnock were present.

Around 08:00 Again the Barn owl put on a good display flying around in the light rain.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47986232561/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47986234041/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47986196193/in/datetaken/

There were also 4 cranes which were there when I arrived but could not see them (too far back) only when they took off around 10:00 ish.

07:00 - 08:00 this morning in the car park hide a Barn owl hunting in the fog. Managed to catch a vole and then flew off to the trees at the far left. (Managed a few shots but dark and foggy see links)

I also counted 6 Black Tailed Godwits (in front of the hide), 1 GW Egret, 7 Cattle Egret, 3 Little Egret. A whitethroat in front of the hide and car park, 1 white wagtail. No Garganey to be seen but did see it yesterday evening in the distance.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47979904103/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47980470308/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47979903183/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47979962846/in/datetaken/

31-May-2019
At least 8 Cattle Egrets this afternoon between 14:30 & 17:00; also 3 Little Egrets, 2 drake Garganey, 68 Black-Tailed Godwits, a Common Crane that flew southwards over distant Canada Farm Lake, and at least 3 Marsh Harriers.

Between 6.10pm and 8.30pm - Prob Red Kite In distance .4 Marsh Harriers. 2 Black Winged Stilts. 3 G W Egrets, 2 Little Egrets approx 15 Cattle Egrets Redshank heard , 100 to 150 Swifts .Whitethroat and Drake Garganey.

Highlights today 7.00am from the west hide:
Little Egret 1
Cattle Egret 4 (3 in breeding plumage)
Great White Egret 1
Black Tailed Godwit 5
Dunlin 1
Marsh Harrier 1 male
Lapwing 2 aerial displays

19-May-2019
Seemed to be fewer Blk-t Godwits, c.35; 2 Greenshanks, but no sign of any other waders; 5 Cattle Egrets, 3 Little Egrets, a few broods of Greylag Geese in varying sizes, male Marsh Harrier flew thro’ and 3 Hobbies were over distant Canada Farm Lake.

Black-tailed Godwits?
Reply: Yes.

15-May-2019
Mostly the same birds this afternoon: c.70 Blk-t Godwits, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Ruff (a reeve), drake Garganey, 3 Little Egrets, fem Marsh Harrier flew thro’ sending all the godwits into the air; a distant Hobby and a calling Cuckoo.

Thanks but checked photos and sadly this one wasn’t so interesting, just a washed out looking wigeon.

Chiloe wigeon does occasionally show up:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebalcombe/45294025001

Mike