A weekend away in Somerset was a welcome change. The plan was to go direct to Ham Wall and then walk to the Avalon Visitor Centre where there was a cafe. However as we set off from the car park the clouds moved in and it started to rain. The radar app showed the rain was going to be around for sometime, so we decided to abort that plan and head to the Outlets for some lunch and shopping. By about 13:30 the skies were clearing and the forecast for the remainder of the afternoon and early evening was very positive, clear skies and plenty of sunshine. As a result we headed back to the RSPB car park, this time only intending to spend the time on the RSPB reserve.
We set off along the old railway line that is now a gravel track and in the warm November sunshine there were plenty or Red Admiral still around even if one or two were looking decidedly worn.
Some though were looking very smart despite the late season.
At the first viewing point there were at least four Mars Harriers over the reeds and the open water.
The track runs east to west and has several benches that look either north or south over the marshes. These benches were in the full sun and were a magnet for the Common Darter dragonflies. Here two male Common Darters.
A close up of the head and compound eyes, you can in fact see the multiple eyes that make up the compound.
The duller looking female.
Another butterfly to be seen in November, a Speckled Wood.
We walked the path to the second and last viewing point and again there were Marsh Harriers quartering over the open water and reed bed. The Harriers were almost everywhere you looked. This a male, which seemed reluctant to come too close to the path.
The females, or immature birds would pass quite close and give some lovely views.
Looking south across the reed bed the back lit reeds looked very spectacular.
Having reached the edge of the reserve we decided to walk back as the paths around the lakes were flooded and very muddy. All the way along the path where there was Ivy there were Red Admiral, it was quite bizarre to have so many butterflies about at this time of year.
Back at the first viewing point a crowd was beginning to gather, I had dismissed the possibility of a Starling show, thinking it was maybe too early, but apparently they have arrived and in huge numbers already, so we decided to stick around and see what would transpire.
On the islands in the open water a Great Egret was in amongst the duck preening.
There were plenty of Marsh Harrier to be seen over the reed bed so it was nice when there was the variety of a male Sparrowhawk that came over the view point.
It was a male Sparrowhawk despite the fact that one watched claimed it to be a Peregrine because it was white underneath.
No doubt it was here waiting for the same event we were.
The view with forty minutes to go until sunset.
Then one of the watchers picked up a Kingfisher that had flown onto one of the platforms in front of us. Unfortunately it is a little distant but the Kingfisher showed well.
It was then an exit left.
I expect the Marsh Harriers were also awaiting the starling event, and they were interacting with each other over the marsh.
The sun was heading down and the colour in the clouds and the trees was changing.
Reflections in the water
Then small groups started to appear and for once on a visit here they seemed to be preferring the area to the north of the main path.
The Great Egret then decided to fly across in front of us, the light not that brilliant now so a little grainy.
It flew to the bench where the Kingfisher had been earlier.
Once upon a time this was the bird you came to see on the Somerset Levels, not they are very widespread across the southern counties.
The numbers of Starling was increasing and the show was beginning to start.
Drifting in over the reeds, the setting sun turning the background a sultry pink.
There was also some shapes being created in the air as can be seen from this video.
They were heading for the reeds to the right of us and were quickly pouring in, being joined all the time by others from all points of the compass.
Watching with binoculars I could see at least two Sparrowhawks hunting in amongst the reeds, the Starlings coming back out as the birds of prey attacked.
With all the starlings heading into the reeds and out of sight we were beginning to think we were not going to get a show.
But groups kept on arriving.
A close up of the flocks.
Then for some unknown reason they poured out of the reeds and headed for the centre of the reed bed in front of us.
And the Marsh Harriers followed them, looking for any opportunity.
It was now quite dark but the stragglers were still coming in and joining the others in the middle of the reed bed. With the second movement earlier we knew it was now over. Heading back to the car park one moor look to the south over one of the canals
A day that started with rain and possible disappointment, produced some wonderful scenes. Great to see the Starlings once again.
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