Whilst doing my monthly WeBS count at Clatworthy Reservoir today I discovered an immature drake Red-breasted Merganser close inshore off Deer Point which is in the North-East arm. The bird was still present early afternoon at least and was also seen off the dam. It’s possible this is the first record for the Reservoir as I have been unable to find any previous records since the Reservoir opened in 1961. This is surprising as the nearby Wimbleball Lake has had 9 to 10 records. By far the majority of inland records have occurred at Cheddar Reservoir but there are also quite a few for Durleigh and Sutton Bingham over the years. Overall, there has been a decrease in sightings of Red-breasted Mergansers in recent years in Somerset.

Also around the Reservoir today, 3 Red Kites, Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, 12 Teal.