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Great view of a Pied Flycatcher at Horner this afternoon, initially perched then inspecting one of the nest boxes. I was told by one of the Rangers that at the moment it is the males that are about, no females seen by them so far.
The main path through Horner is open but several of the side paths are blocked off due to Ash Dieback.
Around Dunster – the Little Owl was about, not seen it for some time. The fields along by Lower Marsh Farm did not have much in them, most of the Wigeon had gone. Still Shelduck and a few Teal and Cormorants. Did see a Ringed Plover there but too far away to see whether it was a Little Ringed Plover or not. Also under the Rookery were 5 Little Egrets perched in the trees.
The Barnacle Goose is still in the ponds at Dunster Hawn.
Walking on North Hill yesterday, we had a splendid sighting of a pair of Dartford Warblers, on gorse by the coast path, a couple of hundred yards short of the path going across to Moor End car park. Certainly the best view of them we’ve ever enjoyed, wonderfully lit in the sunshine.
Spotted the Barnacle Goose on Dunster Hawn lake this afternoon – thanks for the tip Kay. Also enjoyed the host of birds on the flooded fields, all the regulars, plus 6 Grey Herons in a row, over by the far hedge, and 2 Cormorants drying their wings.
Just a quick note there is a Barnacle Goose mixed in with the Canada Geese in the ponds behind Dunster Beach chalets. Seen this morning/afternoon in 1st pond down from the car park toilets from the path between 1st & 2nd ponds.
Also see in same area Teal & Little Egret in the 3rd pond and Cettis Warbler heard there. Still snowdrops out there as well.
Then in the fields by Lower Marsh Farm Teal, Shelduck, Wigeon and Shoveler (not seen Shoveler here before , about 4 males spotted). No sign of Lapwing or Curlew.
Went to the Avalon Marshes today with 2 friends. Started off at Westhay which did not have many species or even numbers so debated whether to go to Greylake. Last time we were there, it was very foggy, the Baikal Teal was around and the place was heaving, to the extent that we did not stay long. Today we were pleased to find that the crowds had disappeared but luckily not the Baikal Teal. It was some time before it removed its head from under its wing (even then we could still pick it out – with help initially) but he did give us good views in the end. He was close enough to see through the binoculars but better through a scope.
Typical within minutes of the previous post the male Black Redstart made its appearance on my patio, first viewing in 2022. Has a lot of white on wing. Also a regular visitor is a Grey Wagtail. So both worth looking out for along Esplanade, North Road and near Minehead sea front. I have seen Redstart both on roof and sea wall as well as in my garden. Beautiful bird.
For those not able to make the Ham Wall outing to see the murmurations, I understand there is a flock of perhaps 200 Starlings that roost around the Quay at Watchet. They come in from the East Quay direction and a good viewing point is by the Museum. Times vary depending on the amount of light 3.30-4pm perhaps. They may just come straight in to roost or you may be lucky and see some murmurations.
A birding trip to Stolford this morning in the sunshine – another good list including Turnstone, Redshank, Curlew, Pintail (a good number, though distant), Brent Geese (dozen or more), Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Oystercatcher and Shelduck, plus Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, Starling flock and assorted LBJs.
A good tally of bird species seen on Porlock Marsh this afternoon: Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, and (surprisingly) Little Grebe.
A large flock of Wigeon and Curlew, plus a few Teal, were on Lower Marsh Farm fields (Dunster) this afternoon. Also there were Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Mallard, Black-headed and Herring Gulls, Pied Wagtails, Magpies and assorted Corvids. On the beach we also saw Shelduck, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Oystercatcher.
Mediterranean Gull seen from bus shelter towards the end of Culvercliffe.
Male Black Redstart still active – seen on sea wall today (outside my house at Harbour Court, Esplanade) flew off to back of houses and then appeared on my bird bath. Seen several times this morning.
Male Blackcap feeding on fat balls.
Grey Wagtail in garden yesterday.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas
Black Redstart – my first of the season lovely view of a male in my back garden (Esplanade, Minehead). Chased off by the local Robin but returned a few minutes later. Last year a female stayed around the Minehead sea front all winter. She tended to be seen on the rooves between the Metropole and Quay Inn, either seen from the sea front or from North Road or the Blenheim Road end of Northfield Road.
The males are very distinct, an upright Robin stance, very black with white patch on the wing & orangey/red on the tail. The females are less obvious looking so more like a Robin but no red breast and orangey/red on the tail, especially noticed in flight.
Have also had a juvenile Grey Wagtail in the back garden several times.
Snow Bunting update. I went to Dunster Beach this morning. Met someone who said there was one by the shovels (turn right at car park entrance with sea on your left) and keep going. Went there but my sighting was a little further along. So pass the shovels on your right, then also on right is a hedge line, then further on right is a large stone a few feet away from the fence (very obvious). Directly opposite that stone on the other side of the path, so facing the sea, is where I saw it. It was very close and just over the ridge on the seaward side and in amongst some pale yellow long flattened grass. Good close views, I was standing on ridge above the path, saw it below me perched on a stone, foraging and stretching its wings. Hope the above is enough and helps members to find it.
Snow Buntings have been seen at Dunster Beach over the last few days. Have not been able to pin point which area as a photo posted just showed it on pebbles. Let me know if you see any at Dunster or elsewhere. Last year one was seen quite often at Bossington Beach just along from one of the Lime Kilns.
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