Ashcott Corner Birding walk from ST449396
Ashcott, Somerset. Just off the A39 near Glastonbury
Sunday 15th May 2011
We went to Ashcott on the Somerset levels a great place to view many rare birds ( if you are lucky)
The first weeks of May bring numerous Hobbies. It's a regular stop-over on their migration north into UK and one of the best chances to see them.
In previous years we have seen 30 to 40 with many in the sky at the same time demonstrtating their supreme skill and agility while predating dragonfiles.
This time we were probably late of the main rush with just a couple making a fleeting appearance.
Ruff had been in evidence in the early morning but had now gone all reclusive.
It was a busy old day for twitchers, and we had to all but queue for Noah Hide. A Marsh Harrier was seen crossing the reed beds at a distance, and Cormorant were enjoying the lakes bounty.
On the way in, the distinctive sound of a male Bittern was heard booming accross the reeds. We stopped a while and where rewarded with the sound of another one, closer this time. Just before the main call begins, they make a low guttural and eerie sound then the booming starts. Each one a second and followed by an interval of two seconds silence we where treated to 4 to 6 at a time.
It's not particularly loud but it carries for miles.
This BBC clip gives an idea of the sound.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8663000/8663139.stmThe whole area is between -5 and 10m of sea level and before the drains and dykes where constructed the region was underwater for many monthes of the year.
It was the land of the Somersaeta who lived at the waters edge, built temporary settlements, and wooden walkways across the marshes, remains of which are still visible.
The Isle of Avalon and Glastonbury Tor with St Michaels church atop stand out at the regions sudden high spot of 158m
We stopped awhile and observed closely a Whitethroat singinging away from his perch-branch in a low hedge.
On the way back we stopped for roast lunch at the King William pub at Catcott. Yummm
Great pub, Its got a well inside it
http://www.kingwilliaminncatcott.co.uk/Some pics from from the trip. unfortunately non of the Bittern which proved elusive this time:
Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury Tor
Two Hobbies on the wing
Swan feeding
Swan preening
Couldn't get the Bittern so here's another of the swan
Food for the Otters, equally shy
Don't know what this is, Anyone know? It smells sweet almost Jasmine like. Beautiful
butterfly
Zoomed in across the levels, Glastonbury Tor
Thanks for looking.