Winter in the Somerset Levels can be cold and damp, but it is also a great time to pull on the wellies and see some amazing wildlife.
Located in the heart of Somerset are the Levels, a flat expanse of floodplain east of the Severn Estuary. Traditionally, the county would flood during winter and only be suitable for occupation during the summer, hence its name; the ‘summer settlement’ eventually giving rise to ‘Somerset’. Nowadays, flooding is controlled, but the Levels still play host to a fabulous diversity and abundance of bird life, especially waders and wildfowl.
Back in November, Clarkson & Woods staff enjoyed a chilly evening trip to RSPB Ham Wall for the starling murmurations, something which has become an annual event for the business. Ham Wall is one of the best sites in the country to watch this spectacular phenomenon, and we’re lucky to have our office so close. Alongside the swirling mass of hundreds of thousands of starlings, we were privileged to see species including marsh harrier, lapwing, wigeon, gadwall, shoveler and teal – all observed from the viewing platforms. If you haven’t visited the reserve, it is well worth doing so. It is marvellous the whole year round, but the starlings can only be seen murmurating from October-March, with mid-winter being the best time. More information can be found on the RSPB website.
Later, in December, a trip was planned to RSPB Greylake, located a little south of Ham Wall. Greylake is known for its large numbers of wildfowl over winter, with flocks of wigeon and teal, especially, reaching into the thousands. However, on this occasion Clarkson and Woods’ staff were in search of two rare species: merlin and Baikal teal. Merlin is our smallest raptor (bird of prey) and they migrate to the lowlands in winter from their upland breeding grounds. Two had been reported at the reserve, and so it was a good opportunity to spot one. The Baikal teal is even rarer; this species being a cousin of our own Eurasian teal, but native to Russia. Apparently, the same bird has been returning to Greylake year-on-year, and so Mike, Will and a former colleague, Mark, went in search.
After waiting patiently, the guys were thrilled to see the merlin hunting snipe and meadow pipit among the reeds: a truly breathtaking sight! Other charismatic species of the Levels were also seen or heard, including bearded reedling (bearded tit), water rail, Cetti’s warbler, great white egret and a very tame water rail. Unfortunately, they weren’t so lucky with the Baikal teal, but spotting a single duck amongst thousands is no easy task!
These trips are enjoyable in and of themselves, but also serve as an ID refresher for CW bird surveyors and a training opportunity for junior staff. Further trips are planned for 2025, and who knows what we’ll see next time?
