I recently visited this RSPB reserve, part of the Avalon Marshes complex and the following were noted in an hours birding:

Dabchick, 2,

G.C.Grebe, c12,

Great White Egret, 1 flew from one reed bed to another,

Little Egret, 3 over,

Grey Heron, 4,

Bittern, booming birds heard regularly with perhaps 3 different birds. 1 bird flew reed bed to reed bed.

Wigeon, c6,

Gadwall, c20,

Shoveler, c20,

Teal, c30,

Tufted Duck, c12,

Buzzard, c3 pairs. 1 bird flew overhead with a grass snake in its talons!

Marsh Harrier, 1 male over reed beds,

Lapwing, c12,

Redshank, c6,

Sand Martin, 4,

Cettis Warbler, c12,

Chiffchaff, c12,

Willow Warbler, c6,

Blackcap, c6

Raven, pair.

The notice board suggested there are up to 50 Hobbies present in early May when they first arrive back so should be interesting then!

Regards,

David Nuttall.