Martin's Bird Blog & Nature Photos

29th August 2025 – Chew Valley Lake, Somerset

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A very popular bird watching area local to us is Chew Valley Lake, just a few miles to the south of Bristol. The lake was created in the early 1950s (officially opened in 1956) to provide water for the city of Bristol. I remember at that time standing in the street waving my Union Flag. I hasten to add that this was in no way a demonstration of political affiliation the likes of which we are currently seeing a lot, I was simply lining the street with my Junior School to see Queen Elizabeth II as she made her way to open the lake. That’s what you did for entertainment in those days.

We last visited Chew Valley on May 16th when, even after a dry start to the summer, the lake was surprisingly full to the brim. We were quite surprised today to see how low the water had dropped over the summer in the very dry spell we have had. Today we had a few showers but I don’t think it would have made much a difference to the water levels.

A distant view of Chew Valley lake (from Herriot’s Bridge) with a chance of rain

Our main reason for visiting, in fact, is that a white-tailed eagle has been at the lake for the last few days. We had no luck on that score and, as a consequence of the low water levels, we didn’t see that many birds up close.

Nonetheless, we really enjoyed the scenery and enjoyed another day birding.

The view from Stratford hide with a peregrine at 2 o’clock (in front of the reeds) and another at 8 o’clock (next to the tree stump)

A sparrowhawk flying over Herriot’s Bridge.

A hobby from Herriot’s Bridge

The view from Herons’ Green – this was totally covered in water in May

A glossy ibis from Herons’ Green and a greenshank to the left

Little egrets at Herons’ Green Bay
You can see how dry it is beneath the black-headed gull in flight

A small copper butterfly and a painted lady butterfly at Herriot’s Bridge

We were told the white-tailed eagle was on the island at the back of my photo – I know they are big as we have seen them in Scotland but I don’t think even a very good telescope would have helped

At least we got to see some birds up close – here a cormorant at Herriot’s Bridge

… and here an African Grey Parrot whose owner brings it here regularly to take the air – this is England after all!

Comments

6 responses to “29th August 2025 – Chew Valley Lake, Somerset”

  1. chrisbrewster2013 Avatar
    chrisbrewster2013

    Wow some fab photos again Martin! I can’t see the Eagle either. Is the Black winged Kite still around in Gloucestershire do you know?

    Chris x

    Sent from my iPhone

    Liked by 2 people

    1. martintayler Avatar
      martintayler

      Thanks, Chris. No, I think the black-winged kite has moved on. Very exciting with all these rarities around.

      Martin Tayler

      Martin’s bird & nature blog: http://martinsbirdblog.com

      Like

  2. robbiesinspiration Avatar
    robbiesinspiration

    Hi Martin, I’m sorry you missed the eagle. A lovely day regardless. I always enjoy cormorants.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. martintayler Avatar
      martintayler

      Thanks for your lovely comments, Robbie.

      Martin Tayler Martin’s bird and nature blog: https://martinsbirdblog.com/

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Chuckster Avatar
    Chuckster

    I must commend you, the absence of the eagle did not diminish your powers as photographer! These were lovely photos, thanks for sharing! 🏄‍♂️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. martintayler Avatar
      martintayler

      Many thanks for your comments.

      Liked by 1 person

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