Chew Valley Lake Visit 8.4.24

On a surprisingly dry day, four of us met at Woodford Lodge, where we were able to observe a buzzard circulating. We set out on the new tarmac trail towards the dam and were greeted with a cacophony of bird song. Our first sighting was a Wren followed by good views of a male Blackcap, Dunnock, Chiffchaffs and Robin. On our return we found a Common Sandpiper bobbing along the shore of the lake's high water level.

Returning to our cars, the next stop was the Herons Green lay by. Lots of Great Crested Grebes, Coots and Tufted Ducks were sighted and on six distance wooden poles, there were 6 egrets, probably Little Egrets. In the lake on the other side of the road, there was a pair of Gadwalls.

We then unlocked the padlocked gate and drove to the Moreton hide. No new species added to our list from the hide, but there was a pair of Egyptian Geese in the field behind and a Jay was seen flying from a tree as we returned to the road.

The Stratford hide was more promising with views of several pairs of courting Great Crested Grebes, a Goldeneye showing behind the reeds and several Tufted Ducks, but no Scaup that we could see. We had distant views of a pair of Great White Egrets and passing flights by Shelducks, Cormorants, a Grey Heron and a Little Egret. The tranquillity of the hide was then destroyed by a pair of croaking Canada Geese, who then attracted eight of their mates. Time to leave.

On next stop was Herriots Bridge. A Great White Egret was standing in the centre of the pool surrounded by gulls including a Greater Black-black Gull. There were more Tufted Ducks and Great Crested Grebes on the lake and a pair of Herring Gulls on the bank. Across the road, on the lake, we were able to see more grebes, a Moorhen and Cormorants. Then we spotted a pair of Kingfishers, which took off, flew passed us, over the road bridge and across to the pool. The highlight of the day!

Picnic Area 1, by the dam, only allowed us only to a lone Black-headed Gull to our list.

One car continued to Barrow Tank 3, but unfortunately the target Long-tailed Duck was not seen although there were more pairs of Great Crested Grebes.

So a very respectively 35 species seen. If the Lake is on the itinerary next year, hopefully more people will come along.

Our list: Buzzard, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Common Sandpiper, Mallard, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Coot, Blackbird, Robin, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Gadwall, Great Tit, Cormorant, Egyptian Goose, Jay, Goldeneye, Great White Egret, Shelduck, Herring Gull, Jackdaw, Magpie, Moorhen, Greater Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher, Black-headed Gull

Alan