Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Monday, 22 August 2011

Chew Valley Lake - 19th August 2011

The best day of the week for weather so it was back to Chew Valley Lake in the hope of some good birds and something closer to point the camera at. Well, the weather obliged, some good birds materialised, but close encounters were not to be.

Again, starting at Herriotts Bridge, it was the waders that kept us on our toes as they were very mobile! The juvenile Ruff was joined by a Greenshank and Black Tailed Godwit on the small pool. The low water on the main lake gave us Wood Sandpiper, Ringed Plovers, Little Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers and Black Tailed Godwits. A Kingfisher flew briefly into the channel, which also held an adult and juvenile Water Rail. Raptor wise, a Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Buzzard and Peregrine entertained and a distant Marsh Harrier over towards the visitor centre.

Moving on to Heron's Green Bay produced a Spotted Sandpiper (good for Chew) with Green Sandpipers, Little Egrets and a Snipe on the small pool.

It was here that I was amazed to see a birder drive off, leaving his scope and tripod assembled by the roadside. Waving of arms failed to attract him, but he returned some half an hour later, hoping it was still in place. Of course it was, and it saved me going to the visitor centre to hand it in.

Needing to use the facilities, we decided to go to the visitor centre, intending to park by the toilet block but not stay thus avoiding paying the £2.50 fee. Wrong! An attendant was at the gate and insisted on relieving us of the fee which proved to be an expensive "relief" for us! Next time its the bushes!


Juvenile Water Rail


Water Rail


Lesser Black Backed Gull


Lesser Black Backed Gull


Spotted Redshank


Spotted Redshank


Spotted Redshank

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