 | | Chew Valley Lake is a semi-natural reservoir ten miles south of Bristol, and is the largest lake in south-west England. This website contains frequently updated news and information on its birds and wildlife, access, maps, and the definitive Chew bird list!
WINTER: If we get a few good downpours, the water level should begin to rise as the year ends. Even so, there will still be plenty of waterfowl around the muddy shoreline. The gull roost will be at it's peak in December/January - over 50,000 birds on a busy night!
What to see, what not to see, and what to pretend you've seen in winter at Chew:
Divers -All three species could occur, but in reality they are normally only brief-stayers, if they even turn up at all.
Slavonian Grebe -An uncommon winter visitor, most birds only hang around for a few days.
Bittern -One or two birds have wintered in recent years; Herriott's Bridge in the late afternoon is best.
Bewick's Swan -A few birds occasionally wander between here and Blagdon, although in recent years they have been difficult to catch up with at Chew.
Shoveler -Chew is an internationally important site for this species, with a peak in late autumn/early winter.
Greater Scaup -Occasional birds most winters. There should be one or two in the hugeAythya flock, but they can be distant - know your hybrids!
Long-tailed Duck -If a bird turns up, it usually stays all winter - we should be due another one soon!
Smew -2005 has been the worst year on record - if we do get any, Heron's Green Bay from December is usually best.
Red-breasted Merganser -One or two drakes have spent all or part of the winter at Chew in recent years, so keep an eye on the small Goosander flock. The drakes always display to the female Goosanders, so anyone claiming a 'pair' will probably be called a stringer!
Goosander -Counts have been poor in recent winters - numbers should reach 30 or 40 at a peak.
Peregrine -With the water levels low there will still be abundant prey for a while yet.
Mediterranean Gull -These will be in the roost daily, but finding them is sometimes tricky. Herriott's Bridge late afternoon is the best chance.
Water Pipit - Chew is one of the most reliable sites in the south-west - check the shoreline in Stratford Bay. Keep an ear out at Herriott's Bridge in the late afternoon as they fly about overhead before roosting in the reedbed. With low levels there could easily be double-figures.
Stonechat -Often a pair on the reedy margins; try the Nunnery Point area, Moreton Bank and the Grebe Trail.
Linnet - The weedy margins should be ideal for a flock or two.
Siskin -Keep an ear out along the Bittern Trail and behind Stratford hide - hopefully there will be a few birds around the lake this winter.
Bearded Tit -Often touted as a bird to look for in winter at Chew - the reality is that they are hardly ever seen here. Worth keeping in mind when stood on Herriott's Bridge, though.
Long shot?
Hard to think of a rarity that could turn up in a season that never produces any rarities, although aLaughing Gull would be good this winter. How about a Chew first, such asWaxwing,Dartford Warbler or even aGoshawk? And don't forget thatLesser Scaup is still outstanding. Or what about real rarity, like aWillow Tit?
|
| |
|
