Recent Site Updates:
- I’ve updated the Butterflies list with some new records and dates, plus some historical records that I’m searching through.
- I’ve added a Nathusius’ Pipistrelle page, linked from the Wildlife > Mammals pages. Whilst it includes general information about the species, I’m currently adding records of those Nathusius’ we’ve caught locally since we started in 2011. I’m sharing ring details in the public domain, for future reference, and have annotated captures of special significance. I’m including the Bat Diary I wrote between 2014-2019 while we took part in the build up to, and running of, the BCT National Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Project as well.
Last update: 9th August 2025
Diary: Click on the Main Menu to bring up this page, which will show news and sightings for the current month below. To see archived news, click on the year from the Main Menu Diary drop down to access news month by month. News is archived back to 2011 currently. I hope it provides a valuable resource to those of you interested in the birds and wildlife of the lake. Have fun exploring, there are nearly 500 pages and over 2000 photos.
December 2025
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please be aware that the Top End hide will be closed from Monday 1st until Friday 12th December due to tree work. Please avoid the area for safety.
Monday 1st December [Wet & overcast]
I had hoped to get to the lake today, but wasn’t able to make it in the end. The likelihood is that I won’t be visiting the lake again before the weekend either, so would be glad of any news if you’d like to share your sightings – just email me and I’ll post them. Thanks.
Sunday 30th November [A pleasant sunny day]
The drake RING-NECKED DUCK was reportedly still present today per Avon Birds.
Saturday 29th November [Overcast at first, but turning into a bright sunny day.]
Today, I was hoping to do a Parkrun, but the weather forecast looked so bad last night I decided to give it a miss. What a mistake! So, instead, late this morning, my sister and I went down to the lake to fill the feeder which was all but empty. Having filled it, the birds absolutely flocked in. We looked for the drake RING-NECKED DUCK, but didn’t see it in the usual spot until we came back along the road from the Top End hide. There was no sign of the Whooper, but there were seven at t’other place, so I guess it had flown back there. However, there were seven Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and over one hundred Lapwings at Top End to compensate. Other notable birds included eight Egyptian Geese, a Shelduck, two Goldeneye, a Little Egret, four Great White Egrets, at least eleven Grey Herons, and a small group of Linnets showing beautifully in a bush at Wood Bay. 48 spp. in two hours.
Thursday 29th November [Mild and changeable]
I had to go to Chew Stoke at lunchtime, so stopped in at the lake on the way home. I saw the Whooper Swan and a Shelduck from Top End hide, four Great White Egrets, but no sign of the drake Ring-necked Duck in the forty , or so, minutes I had available before going to the gym. 30 spp.
Wednesday 26th November [Mainly dry and sunny until late afternoon]
I had an hour and a half at the lake just after lunch. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK was off the west end of Green Lawn the second time I looked, and while at Top End hide I spotted an adult Whooper Swan off Rugmoor – thought to probably have been the long-staying individual that has been at Chew Valley Lake (photographic evidence might prove it, I suppose). There were a huge number of Cormorants (easily 400+), many of which were fishing co-operatively at Top End, so it wasn’t possible to make a count. One of the Shelduck was feeding at Top End, and I saw three Goldeneye, two Little and twenty Great White Egrets among the usual customers. 42 spp.
Monday 24th November [Mainly dry after heavy overnight rain]
The water level continues to rise at the lake and the water was pretty coloured after last nights rain. I saw the drake RING-NECKED DUCK off the west end of Green Lawn. There were eight Little Grebes at the south end of the dam, and a huge flock of Cormorants sleeping and drying their wings in front of the Lodge. I counted them and three other smaller groups and came up with 527 on the clicker. I saw two Great White Egrets, the two Shelduck, and good numbers of Lapwings, Linnets, Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails at Top End feeding among the prolific weeds growing on the exposed lake bed. It seemed that the numbers of waterfowl were down again today, but there were some large groups on the bank that may have decided not to feed in the coloured water, so I couldn’t be sure. 41 spp.
Sunday 23rd November [Mainly dry & sunny with occasional showers]
It was wet and cold yesterday, and having spent an hour and a half out in it volunteering at Five Arches Parkrun, I wasn’t minded to go rushing out in it again later, until the rain stopped and I popped out for a couple of laps of the village in the evening. So today, at lunchtime, I decided I’d walk from home to Top End and back, birding as I went. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK was still off the west end of Green Lawn. There was a small flock of, mainly male, Pochard at Cheddar Water and from Rainbow Point I counted at least 57, so I reckon there were a minimum of 80 on the lake today – mostly sleeping, as Pochard are wont to do by day. I would say there were at least 100 Lapwings at Top End too. I saw some Egyptian Geese distantly, eight I think, and the two Shelduck were still present, but feeding by upending rather than out on the exposed lake bed. From the hide, I spent some time looking around the bank for migrants and saw a flock of Linnets, quite a few Pied Wagtails and a couple of Green Sandpipers. I counted five Pintail, six Great White and a single Little Egret in a total of 45 spp. before climbing back up the hill.
Friday 21st November [Sunny & cold]
It was a pleasant afternoon, so I found an hour to spend at the lake for a look around. I checked the dam, Lodge area and Holt Bay, filled the bird feeder, then walked from Rainbow Point to Top End gate and back. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK was off the west end of Green Lawn again. I also noted four Egyptian Geese, a couple of Lapwings, two Little and seven Great White Egrets, four Fieldfare and three Buzzards at an unidentified carcass. 41 spp.
Wednesday 19th November [Sunny spells with a bitterly cold wind]
I spent an hour at the lake today, but didn’t see a great deal of interest, although it was a bit of a quick look. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK was photographed later in the afternoon by Steve J., although I didn’t see it in the usual spot while I was there. Quite a lot of conservation work appeared to be going on along the south side of the lake, so birds might be getting moved around a little. I saw three Great White Egrets and two Red Kites of note, and reckon there has been a drop in waterfowl numbers, on the rising lake, since my visit last Saturday. 38 spp.
Tuesday 18th November
Having been away overnight and not getting back until early evening I have no news today, but Avon Birds reported the drake RING-NECKED DUCK, a Black-tailed Godwit and a few Dunlin at the lake.
Monday 17th November
I’ve not received, or read, any reports from the lake, and was away for the day so have no news.
Sunday 16th November [Cold. Sunshine & showers.]
The Black-necked Grebe was reportedly still present today per Avon Birds.
Saturday 15th November [Misty to start with some sunshine later]
After another PB Parkrun this morning, I went to the lake late this afternoon. The water level had come up significantly after the deluge in the last 24 hours, probably by over a foot, so things looked pretty different to Wednesday. The Common Sandpiper was on the dam, and the drake RING-NECKED DUCK was still off the west end of Green Lawn. However, in the hour I had available, before the light failed, I couldn’t find the Black-necked Grebe although I wouldn’t be surprised if it was still present tomorrow. The water is starting to fill Top End again, and the Teal were all over the place, perhaps disturbed by a raptor or something. A few Lapwings were over on Rugmoor but I didn’t see any other waders. I spotted a single Shelduck, with a limited view from Bell’s Bush, and heard a Chiffchaff calling loudly at the Lodge. Hopefully, there’ll be more to report tomorrow. 37 spp.
Thursday 13th November [A bright & warm autumnal day.]
I didn’t get to the lake today, but Jon A. reported the Black-necked Grebe and RING-NECKED DUCK as both being present. Avon Birds carried a count of 230 Lapwings, and news of a singing Chiffchaff and two Siskins. Tomorrow, it sounds like there is going to be a deluge – Bristol Water will be relieved about that I’m sure. It could be a good opportunity to get on with the decorating!
Wednesday 12th November [Grey, overcast,with frequent showers.]
There was a good steady flow of water going into the lake, but it doesn’t seem to be making much difference to the level. The water was pretty coloured after the rain over the last few days, but the drake RING-NECKED DUCK and Black-necked Grebe were still both off the west end of Green Lawn. I just saw singles of Egyptian Goose and Great White Egret, the pair of Shelduck, Lapwings, Linnets and 100+ Pied Wagtails, in addition to the usual customers. Strangely, I heard two Tawny Owls call in different areas of the lake during the morning. 40 spp.
Tuesday 11th November [Overcast with blustery rain showers]
I had a busy day working on a new conservation initiative which meant I didn’t get to the lake until late afternoon for an hour before dark. After checking the dam area, I walked from the Lodge to Top End hide and back. The regular Common Sandpiper was at the south end of the dam, the RING-NECKED DUCK drake and Black-necked Duck were off the west end of Green Lawn, I counted ten Egyptian Geese, two Shelduck, and just one Great White Egret. 36 spp.
Monday 10th November [Overcast with heavy showers]
Phil, Skip, Dave and I did the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) this morning between 0930 and 1328hrs. Water level <30%. Counts as follows: Canada Goose 107, Mute Swan 51, Egyptian Goose 2, Shelduck 2, Shoveler 101, Gadwall 258, Wigeon 78, Mallard 291, Pintail 17, Teal 1307, Pochard 88, RING-NECKED DUCK 1 (drake), Tufted Duck 218, Goldeneye 4, Moorhen 17, Coot 1462, Little Grebe 19, Great Crested Grebe 34, Black-necked Grebe 1, Lapwing 307, Common Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, Cormorant 71, Great White Egret 7, Grey Heron 17, Buzzard 2, Grey Wagtail 1. 47 spp.
Sunday 9th November [Overcast with drizzle before becoming wet & windy]
Today I decided to chance a walk from home to Top End and back over lunchtime, before the rain was due to set in. I was hoping to see and hear a few more passerines than on my brief visit yesterday, when I concentrated on the waterfowl. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK and Black-necked Grebe were at the west end of Green Lawn again, and I also saw a Peregrine that put up all 150+ Lapwings, with four small, unidentified, waders (most of, if not all, left site). Other notables included one Little and 23 Great White Egrets, a flock of circa 20 Redwings, a Common Sandpiper, a single Starling, and a calling Chiffchaff. 50 spp.
Saturday 8th November [A warm & pleasant autumn day]
I spent just over an hour at the lake late morning, and saw the drake RING-NECKED DUCK and Black-necked Grebe at the west end of Green Lawn. Other sightings included a Common Sandpiper, two Shelduck, and 31 Great White Egrets. 40 spp.
Friday 7th November [Overcast this morning, mizzle at lunchtime then rain late afternoon.]
I spent a couple of hours at the lake this afternoon. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK and Black-necked Grebe were off the west end of Green Lawn, as they have been for the last few days. At the dam, I saw a Common Sandpiper, and while I was in the Top End hide, the Lapwings flushed and a Green Sandpiper went up with them. There was a pair of Stonechats to the right of the hide too. Counts included 49 Mute Swans, two Shelduck, two Little and 26 Great White Egrets. 49 spp.
Thursday 6th November [Cloudy, with some short sunny spells.]
I met Sid M. at the lake this morning because he’d come to see the RING-NECKED DUCK and the Black-necked Grebe, which we found in the usual place off the west end of Green Lawn. We also saw nine Egyptian Geese, two Shelduck, 141 Lapwing, three Little and 24 Great White Egrets, 20 Grey Herons, three Red Kites and at least five Buzzards. 41 spp. While at the lake, we met Ken Hall who’d walked the south side from Top End to see the drake Ringer. He told me he’d heard Skylark(s) overhead, and saw a couple of Bullfinches and a Stonechat during his visit. I haven’t heard any Skylarks at the lake this year, and I’m beginning to wonder if that’s down to my poor hearing.
Tuesday 4th November [Dull & overcast. Dry until lunchtime, then periods of persistent rain.]
It was more of the same fayre at the lake today, with the drake RING-NECKED DUCK and Black-necked Grebe off the west end of Green Lawn, two Shelduck feeding in the mud off Hellfire Corner, 11 Great White and 5 Little Egrets with the Lapwings at Top End.
Drake Ring-necked Duck, Home Bay, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
Monday 3rd November [Mainly overcast with showers]
I went to the lake late morning and saw two Egyptian Geese, an adult Shelduck at Top End, the Black-necked Grebe and drake RING-NECKED DUCK off the west end of Green Lawn, 91 Lapwings, 24 Great White and a Little Egret among the usual suspects. 42 spp.
Sunday 2nd November [Mainly dry & sunny]
LATE NEWS: Yesterday Martin K. texted me mid-morning to say he was watching an Osprey on the ground at Top End, as well as passing on his other news that I shared yesterday. I asked him if he was sure, because it was such a late date (the previous late date I have for the lake is 4th October 2021). Anyway, while I was eating my post-run breakfast, just before 1100 hrs, he texted again to say it had flown up into the pines and that he had to leave. He felt absolutely sure it was one, he had obviously seen the female earlier in the autumn, but I worried about it. After showering and getting myself sorted, I went and had a look for it in the afternoon, but there was no sign. Today, I met Mike M. at the lake and mentioned it to him, and he was able to tell me that an Osprey was seen around midday on the Levels yesterday too. So, there was every possibility it was the same individual – which, if accepted, would make it a new late date for Blagdon, and quite possibly Avon too. I hope Rich M. will be able to tell us that in due course. Update: Nick P. just contacted me to say that the annotated Avon Area checklist by Rich M. says “the latest departure is 6th Nov., 1988, a bird present since October 19th and commuting between CVL and Litton.” Thanks for your help Martin, Mike and Nick.
Today, I spent the afternoon at the lake, and saw the Black-necked Grebe off the west end of Green Lawn, but not the Ringer. I had a good look around during the spells of bright sunshine, but didn’t find anything new. On the way back home, I stopped at Green Lawn again and met Mike M. for the aforementioned chat. The drake RING-NECKED DUCK was in front of the Fishing Lodge standing on the bank having a good wash and brush-up. Other sightings included 23 Great White and three Little Egrets, circa 50 Lapwings, and a decent flock of 40, or so, Linnets. 44 spp.
Saturday 1st November [A fine morning turned wet in the afernoon]
After a reasonable Parkrun at Radstock this morning, it was afternoon before I got down to the lake. Martin K. sent me a message while I was having a late breakfast to tell me he’d counted 40 Great White Egrets and 60+ Lapwings. When I got to Green Lawn I eventually spotted the Black-necked Grebe, but while I was scanning for it, I spotted what looked like a diving RING-NECKED DUCK in the bay. Having found the grebe, I started scanning for the Ringer again, and sure enough there it was not far off the boat quay. Surely, it has to be the same bird that we watched early last month and was last seen on 22nd? I counted 13 Great White and a single Little Egret, and saw four Grey Partridges of note, before it got overcast and too dark to continue. 40 spp.