The Black tern reported from 25.08.13 was present on 26.08.13.
It was still hunting in earnest and being bullied by the resident gulls when i left around 10.00am.
Good views were difficult from the dam wall as it focused on hunting in the centre of the reservoir and resting on the buoys.
Better views were possible towards the far end of the reservoir however the dense foiliage and boggy ground limited comfortable viewpoints on the stream side.
The bird appears to be in non breeding/juvenile plumage and was hunting insects over and on the water with occasional steep dives for fish.
The far end of the reservoir is still quite flooded and a Kingfisher was perched in a bush surrounded by the high water level.
Thanks to Ray (Scally) for letting me know about the Tern being present.
Great White Egret present this morning at 07:40, initially on the North bank. Spooked by someone walking that side and went round corner towards the village and must have looped round as was at the dam end as we walked back. Then flew back towards the village on the North bank. Parked at the dam end and walked along the path. BEWARE extremely muddy and dangerous underfoot as can be testified by the 6.2 fall and mud up the trousers to the top!
Stunning bird, it caught and swallowed a reasonable sized fish whilst we watched it.
the g.w.egret was still present at 18.50 this evening flying towards combs village end of the reservoir. it gave good views too when resting on the shoreline near the footpath from the dam wall. other local birders also had good views of the bird from the roadside (leading to combs village) this evening.
Just been down to check on the progress of the Great Crested Grebes nest and discovered a fisherman with two rods out over the nest!!!!
Last weekend there were 2 eggs left, there had been 4, but I couldn't see any tonight. He was fully aware of the nest but because there were no eggs thought it ok to fish there. I told him that they may return to try again but he still seemed reluctant to move.
50 yards further up I discovered a dead Calf, so returned to said fisherman and informed him that I was about to report the corpse to the local constabulary at which point he informed me he was about to move on anyway.
It was only later I recalled that Grebes usually cover the eggs when leaving the nest, so they may still be there.
Reported the incident as promised and returned to the spot to find the fisherman gone. Its unbelievable how many inconsiderate fishermen we get round Coombes.
Wel over 200 Swalllows with a mix of House martin and Sand Martin, roughly 70% 20% 10% respectively. The surface of the reservoir seemed covered with them superb!
9 Great Crested Grebes, that 4 up on usual. The water level has dropped over two feet since Saturday, quite concerned for the Nesting Grebes.
The Lapwing chicks are growing fast and there is yet another brood to hatch. 4 Common Sandpiper 4 Willow Warbler 2 Chiffchaff 1 Mistle Thrush lustily singing.
A quick check on the Herons in these gale force winds. Saw the parents all ok and crouched down on nests hanging on for dear life. Also saw a Buzzard struggling to get airborne. Close up view of a male Blackcap. 2 Common Sandpiper 2 Great Crested Grebes. 40+ Swallows over the water, some landing on fence posts protruding up from the reservoir. 1 Jay
Great spot Andy, I also saw them from the bench whilst watching the Heron chicks at 13-45. I then walked round the resevoir and saw no further sign of them. Also seen were 5 Common Sandpiper 3 Lesser Redpoll 1 Cormorant 5 Great Crested Grebes 2 Chiffchaff 2 Willow Warbler
