6th May

Yet another fantastic day on the Avalon Marshes! There was thick fog shrouding the waterbodies of Shapwick Heath early in the morning, so attention turned to the bushes, where there were clearly more warblers than yesterday. At least 3 Garden Warblers were in the trees around the Ashcott Corner car park, and Sedge Warblers were singing all along the main track.

Garden Warbler

Sedge Warbler

The fog burnt off soon enough, to reveal a Wood Sandpiper on the Meare Heath scrape, and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flew over. Over at Ham Wall RSPB, a Grey Plover at the 2nd viewing platform was my first of the year, and 4 Whimbrel dropped in. As it warmed up the Hobbies came out of roosting and 4 were over Ham Wall, and up to 14 over Shapwick.

Hobby

Returning to Ham Wall in the afternoon, a Bittern gave great views out in the open behind the 1st platform, but was overshadowed when an Osprey flew by, followed closely by 2 Red Kites! To finish things off, a drake Garganey settled on the water.

Osprey

Garganey

Also reported today: 7 Cranes over Shapwick at 4pm

After yesterdays Common Blue Damselfly, today I saw my first Large Red Damselfly and Hairy Dragonfly of the year. The place will be absolutely alive with Odanata soon.

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