Tuesday 15 June 2021

There is only a RIVER WARBLER at Ham Wall


Unbelievable a singing River Warbler

River Warbler enjoying Somerset sun

River Warbler

Great White Egret
Bittern over head
 Twitchers line up
River Warbler video footage
 
I was on a video/ photo shoot on Friday afternoon when news broke of a River Warbler at RSPB Ham Wall. Four missed calls and multiple texts asking where I was, pick up, MEGA in Somerset. Oh well, reaching Somerset on a Friday evening would be impossible so I decided to wake up at 5am and check for early news. The tactic worked as news broke the rare Warbler, first in mainland for 10 years, had stuck and was singing again in same area. The car and flask were ready to go and I was off down the M5 to beat any holiday or Weston day trippers. The journey only took just over two hours and the car park still had plenty of spaces.

The walk to the bird was around ten minutes however you couldn't miss its loud reeling as soon as you crossed the bridge. This eastern / central Europe breeding warbler was showing unbelievably well just 50 metres off the main path. All that amazing habitat and it chose that space, it was a real treat for a large crowd that mostly hadn't seen the species before. You can never second guess with this hobby what species you are going to see next. This was my 7th lifer of the year, two more than the same stage last year.

Other sightings included 2 Bittern, 5/6 Great White Egret, Barn Owl, Hobby, Garden Warbler & Bearded Tit.  To read the finders report click here.

 

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