Monday 30th June [Hot]
I was up at 0600 hrs to do my last BTO Dartford Warbler survey on Black Down. Skip. H., Dave P. and I surveyed 3 sq km of the hill over the last two months but didn’t manage to find any Dartfords, unfortunately. We move on to surveying the area for Nightjars next. While I was as far away from home as I could be during the survey, at Tyning’s Farm, Merv. P. rang to say he’d had a cracking morning birding at Blagdon, and had found Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank, Lapwing, Common and Green Sandpipers, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers among others. He’d seen the Black-wits fly off from t’other place and decided to come over and see if they’d rocked-up at the lake. It was a good call. Shattered after my five mile survey in the heat, I drove down to the Lodge for a quick look, and was pleased to see 17 adult Black-tailed Godwits, two Redshank, a Lapwing (Merv saw four), 3 Common Sandpipers (Merv had six), and dipped the Green Sandpiper on the dam. I also saw four Egyptian Geese off the dam, three Pochard, a Little Grebe, three Little Egrets, two Great White Egrets, and 13 Cattle Egrets all from the Lodge. Then I had a twelve hour stint on the laptop to get the duck section of the ABR finally over the line, and sent off to editor Harvey. What a relief! I’d also spent much of the day yesterday writing, when I could between domestic duties, but managed to get out for a run at dusk to Burrington and back through the woods and over the fields, however, I was horrified to find this evening that I had to removed four ticks from my legs. I found another on Tuesday morning, and all this despite keeping myself covered up. I don’t know where or when I picked them up, but beware if you’re visiting the lake, I’ve probably picked up more than a dozen there this year already, and the problem seems to be particularly bad over the last couple of weeks.
PLEASE CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS AFTER ANY VISIT TO THE LAKE THAT BRINGS YOU INTO CONTACT WITH LONG GRASS
Saturday 28th June
I spent half an hour at the lake with Mark H. late afternoon in order to check the bat box that we released the Nathusius’ Pipistrelles from yesterday. We wanted to see if they had come back to roost there. As it turned out none of them had come back, so we removed the food and fluid we’d provided in the box and wished them safe travels. Mum was ringed, so we may see her again, but Wendy didn’t really want us to ring the youngsters, which under the circumstances we felt was the right decision, in order to give them the best chance of finding their way out in the wild. Sorry for the lack of news from the lake, I’m working every free minute to try and finish my section of the Avon Bird Report.
Friday 27th June [Overcast, with warm sunny spells.]
It was up with the lark this morning, literally, conducting a second BTO Dartford Warbler survey on Black Down with Skip. It was not quite the weather that the forecasters had promised, but we did, at least, stay dry. We noted most of the heathland species, including Whitethroat, Skylark, Linnet, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit, Blackcap, and Garden Warbler, but sadly there was no sign of any Whinchat or Wheatear, which were seen during the earlier survey. They must have just been migrants passing through.
I was at the lake on and off during the day, but not really birding for much of the time. However, I saw a Kingfisher while at the dam in the evening thanks to Mark, and we both had the satisfaction of helping a Mallard female get her three little fluff balls up the overflow from the spillway. We released them onto the lake and she flew in and led them away towards the south end of the dam, hopefullly, to safety. They were about a day or two old I should think, and had no chance of getting up the steps no matter how much she stood at the top calling them. We were there because Wiltshire bat carerer, Wendy, was coming over to release three Nathusius’ Pipistrelles into a box we’d prepared for them at the lake. They’d been in Wendy’s care for thirteen weeks – it’s quite the story, and I’ll share more later.
Thursday 26th June
I had two lots of news from today. First, Martin K. texted me to say he saw what he thought were two Little Ringed Plovers on Tiny’s Shallow in front of the Lodge during the day, and second, Mark told me that Hatchery Manager Ali had seen three Curlews on the point too, early in the morning, but they flew off towards the Mendip ridge. I went to the lake during the day but wasn’t really birding, although I saw quite a few egrets. I checked Tiny’s Shallow myself but didn’t see anything of note there. I had a call-out to a juvenile male Soprano Pipistrelle that had found his way inside the building from his maternity roost in the cavity wall. I checked him over and returned him to the roost. The young very often wander around inside buildings where they are born, exploring their surroundings, but this occasionally leads them into areas where they are unable to return to the roost, as happened with this one.
Tuesday 24th June
News to follow when I get a minute or two – life is a bit full on at the moment. Celia fell and broke her right collarbone recently, so I’m chief cook, bottle washer, and full-time carer for the next few weeks while she recuperates.
Monday 23rd June [Sunny & very breezy]
Skip came over early this morning to do one of my old BTO Breeding Bird Survey transects, so we met up before he started. He told me later that he’d seen a Spotted Flycatcher in the Pumping Station grounds. I went off to look for migrant arrivals, after last nights rain, but drew a blank again. Nevertheless, I had a decent morning with three Shovelers at Tiny’s Point, the pair of Egyptian Geese at Rugmoor Bay, and enjoyed the egret ‘fest’ of 17 Little Egrets, 12 Cattle Egrets and two Great Whites scattered around Top End and Rugmoor. I also saw the first of the returning Sand Martins flying around from Top End hide, where there was also a decent flock of Swifts, and noted four House Sparrows and a family party of seven Grey Wagtails on the dam. 43 spp.
Sunday 22nd June [Overcast. Showers & breezy.]
Celia and I went to Exeter today, so it was quite late when I got to the lake again. I saw a pair of Egyptian Geese at Cheddar Water, just four Great Crested Grebes gathered together off the dam to roost, and saw two Little and two Great White Egrets, although others will have already gone to roost (four Little Egrets were reported earlier). 30 spp.
Saturday 21st June [Scorchio] Summer Solstice
After doing a Parkrun in horrible conditions this morning, I waited until the sun came out late afternoon before going to the lake with my camera. In front of the Lodge there were two juvenile Black-headed Gulls on Tiny’s Shallow, and around the Lodge area there was a family of Green Woodpeckers feeding on the lawns. At Long Bay I saw a Painted Lady in the hedge, and at Holt Bay a very ragged-looking Red Kite flew over towards the North Shore. At Wood Bay I counted 11 Little Egrets, eight Great White Egrets, three Cattle Egrets and six Grey Herons around Top End as the water level continues to drop rapidly. At Top End hide I saw a Lapwing on Wookey Point, presumably an early migrant. Even the dragonflies were keeping a low profile in the hot and humid conditions; I didn’t see any new species today.
Thursday 19th June [Very hot]
I had a busy day shopping, ferrying a friend to the airport and Celia to an appointment, then an hour on the treadmill at the gym. By then, it was too late to do anything other than spend twenty minutes casting an eye around the patch for waders and to count the egrets – there were no waders, but seven Grey Herons, 19 Little and nine Great White Egrets were quite something to see, attracted by the dropping water level. 15 spp.
Wednesday 18th June [Very hot]
I spent a couple of hours at the lake late afternoon after spending the morning writing. I was hoping to see some dragonflies in the sunshine, but it was quite disappointing in that respect. I only saw Black-tailed Skimmer and Emperor, plus Red-eyed and Common Blue Damselfies. Some female Emperors were ovipositing. I noted 29 bird species while I was there including six Little and two Great White Egrets.
Monday 16th June [Sunny & dry]
Phil and I did the WeBS count this morning. The water level was around 65% by my reckoning. There were no surprise bird sightings, but as I left the Lodge gate, I was amazed to see a Golden-ringed Dragonfly. Not something I expected to see at the lake, although I thought I briefly saw one a year or two ago at the quayside. Perhaps it came off Black Down where I’ve seen them in the past along the twin brooks. The count was as follows: Canada Goose 250, Mute Swan 33 (inc. 3 juvs), Gadwall 21, Mallard 154, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 34, Moorhen 6, Coot 316, Great Crested Grebe 9, Black-headed Gull 2, Herring Gull 1, Great Black-backed Gull 5, Lesser Black-backed Gull 20, Cormorant 4, Little Egret 13, Great White Egret 2, Cattle Egret 16, Grey Heron 5, Red Kite 1, Kestrel 1, Hobby 1, Cetti’s Warbler 2, Grey Wagtail 3. Other birds noted included a Cuckoo and three singing Reed Buntings. 46 spp. We also recorded Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Large White Butterlfy, Green-veined White Butterfly, Red Admiral, Marbled White 2, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, and a small skipper sp. Later, on a walk back from the gym, I came across another Golden-ringed Dragonfly along Luvers Lane in Blagdon.
Sunday 15th June [Mainly dry with sunny spells]
I popped to the lake mid-morning to fill the bird feeder and have a look in front of the Lodge for any waders that may have flown in – they hadn’t. While I was there Wendy, a bat carer, called to say she and her husband had come for a a look at where it is proposed we release a female Nathusius’ PIpistrelle, with her two pups, that were born while in her care. This will probably happen in the next week or two. In the evening I got to the lake a bit late for a birding walk from the Lodge to Top End hide and back, but I did it anyway. I heard the Cuckoo singing still, heard a Water Rail squeal, counted 18 Tufted Duck in Holt Bay, and saw two Great White Egrets, and three Little Egrets at roost. Total 39 spp. Phil D. and I will be doing the monthly WeBS count tomorrow morning.
Saturday 14th June [Breezy and sunny spells. Some light rain.]
Again, I wasn’t able to get out until late evening. I heard the Cuckoo singing and saw one Little and two Great White Egrets. 28 spp.
Thursday 12th June [Rain clearing later to scattered clouds]
My trip to the lake was very late this evening, during which I birded on foot from Rainbow Point to Top End hide and back. I counted 185 Canada Geese, saw two Egyptian Geese, five Black-headed Gulls (first returning birds), 11 Little Egrets, two Great White Egrets, eight Cattle Egrets and four Grey Herons, of note. 36 spp.
Late news from Mark H. to say he and Ali both heard a Curlew calling while they were working at the Lodge today.
Wednesday 11th June [Sunny spells]
I had the chance for a short visit to Chew Valley Lake with my sister to help her get to grips with her new telephoto lens. We saw the Spotted Redshank at Herriott’s Pool, a Little Ringed Plover, and the Egyptian Goose family. Later, after lunch, we popped down to Blagdon to photograph some insects. After I took my sister to Yatton for her train, I went back to the lake and birded my way from Home Bay to Top End hide and back. I heard the Cuckoo singing from somewhere towards Butcombe Bay/North Shore, saw a Hobby at Long Bay, singles of Great White and Little Egret, and recorded a male Banded Demoiselle, an Emperor Dragonfly, several Red-eyed Damselflies and Black-tailed Skimmers, and thousands of Common Blue Damselflies. The point of Tiny’s Shallow is just beginning to show itself now, and the birds are beginning to gather there to feed and roost.
Saturday 7th June [Heavy showers & persistent light rain until evening.]
Domestic duties conspired to prevent me getting to the lake during the day, but I birded from Home Bay to Top End hide and back in the evening, although it was quite late. I watched two Hobbies hunting low over the water at Top End. However, I was most excited to see that Tiny’s Shallow is about to be exposed by the dropping water level. This evening there was a sizeable flock of Coots gathered there standing in the shallow water. Provided the water level keeps falling we might expect to see a few waders at Blagdon this year. We can only hope. I only saw a single Little Egret fly in to roost, but others may have already arrived and disappeared into cover by the time I looked. 26 spp.
Friday 6th June [Clearing to a mainly sunny day. Breezy.]
I didn’t go to the lake to birdwatch, rather, to complete building the reptile/amphibian heap at Top End that Mark H. and I laid the foundations for last November. Hopefully, this winter it may get used by amphibians to hibernate, then in late Spring next year we will add more material to try and attract reptiles to use it. We were following a tried and trusted recipe to build the heap, and buoyed by our efforts will hope to add a couple more heaps at the lakeside to help the conservation endeavours, if BW approve. For the hour and a quarter I was there, I noted eight Cattle Egrets on Rugmoor Point, one Little and two Great White Egrets, plus two Cetti’s and a Willow Warbler singing in the usual spots. 25 spp.
Common Toads in amplexus, Bell’s Bush, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
These Toads were about to cross the road at 1147 hrs on 20th March 2025 so I decided to give them a helping hand and took them to the water’s edge.
Thursday 5th June [Mainly wet, with occasional dry spells late afternoon.]
I wanted to see if I could get some photos of the small mammals I saw under the feeder on the 30th May, so got to the lake a little bit earlier this evening, but it was pretty miserable under grey skies, and dark under the trees. There was no sign of a mouse or vole, but a female Siskin popped onto the feeder, followed a little while later by a male. Could they be breeding close by again this year? It’ll be nice to see some juveniles. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Siskin, female, Lodge Copse, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
Siskin, male, Lodge Copse, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
It was so gloomy under the trees when trying to photograph the Siskins at 1900 hrs., I went up to ISO 8000, 1/100 & 1/125th sec., f5.6. Less than perfect (a bit soft), but great to be able to get some images of them in the localitiy at this time of year. I didn’t walk this evening, but drove to Top End hide to have a look at the egret roost again. I saw two Great White and a Little Egret there, and on the way back to the Lodge, saw one each of Great White and Little Egret in Long Bay too. The Cuckoo was singing again, doubtless trying to attract a mate, perhaps, to lay an egg in the nest of a Reed Warbler, now they’re spreading into the marginal vegetation that has sprung up in the last couple of weeks. 32 spp.
Wednesday 4th June [Some rain, then drying out later.]
I’m still super busy, but managed to get to the lake before dusk. It was just the usual fayre, although I spotted four Little and one Great White Egret at roost together, and a Hobby, before I left. 30 spp.
Tuesday 3rd June [Wet in the morning, drying to sunny spells in the afternoon.]
I birded on foot from Home Bay to Top End hide and back. It was nice to meet Martin K. and have a catch-up while I was there. There were lots of Swifts over the lake, but it was pretty quiet as far as waterbirds were concerned. I saw two Great White and one Little Egret (Martin saw three of the latter). Martin also told me he’d heard the Cuckoo before we met, and later we watched two Hobbies hunting, after sun down, from Top End hide. 38 spp.
Monday 2nd June [Hot & sunny]
I went in search of Five-spot Burnet Moths with my camera for an hour or two this afternoon, but they managed to elude me. However, there were lots of Meadow Brown Butterflies on the wing, and I also saw a Small Tortoiseshell, a Painted Lady, three Marbled Whites, quite a few Large Skippers, a Burnet Companion Moth and several Six-spot Burnet Moths. I also saw Meadow Grasshoppers and Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonflies. A Cuckoo showed himself a couple of times, and I counted five Little Egrets on Rugmoor Point. 30 bird spp.
Meadow Grasshopper, adult male, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
Although this adult has forewings, it does not have any hind wings, and is the only flightless grasshopper species in the UK.
Large Skipper Butterfly male, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
There are black streaks on the upper wings of males, the sex brands, which comprise two kinds of specialised scent scales, the androconia. Also, note the tips of the antennae which show distinct hooks that help to identify this as a Large Skipper – both Small and Essex Skippers have club-shaped ends to their antennae, the undersides of which are, generally, black on Essex Skipper and orange on Small Skipper. All three species occur at the lake.
Painted Lady Butterfly, a migrant species from North Africa, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
Black-tailed Skimmer, probably an immature male, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
Black-tailed Skimmer, maturing male, Blagdon Lake © Nigel Milbourne 2025
Note that the colour of the abdomen changes in male Black-tailed Skimmers from black & yellow to blue, yellow & black. A blue waxy substance known as pruinescence, develops on the abdomen as the males age & mature. The bottom picture shows the dragonfly devouring a fly taken on the wing – possibly a Twin-lobed Deerfly Chrysops relictus judging by the bright green eyes – not uncommon at the lake, and a bit of a nuisance at times, as it has quite a bite.
Sunday 1st June [Sunny spells with the odd shower or two]
Due to the wind and intermittent sunny spells I decided not to go to the lake with my camera today. I was hoping to get some shots of the Five-spot Burnet Moths which are, seemingly, new to the lake. I checked historical records on the NBN Atlas which shows records held by BRERC (Bristol Environmental Records Centre), but that only showed Six-spot Burnet, which is common, and two records of Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet. With the weather looking more favourable tomorrow, I might try then, if I can find some time. This evening, I parked at Home Bay and made my way on foot to Top End hide and back, birding as I went. There were two Great White Egrets present, and I saw a Hobby, a Sparrowhawk, and heard a Cetti’s Warbler in a list of 34 spp.