Cattle Egrets were first reported to have bred in Britain in 2008, with two pairs nesting in Somerset. We have just spent the last two days birding on the Avalon Marshes in Somerset and saw large numbers of these birds at Catcott Marshes and RSPB Greylake. The colonisation that is taking place is probably due to climate change and with the continuation of this wonderful summer it certainly feels like there is a massive shift in our climate.
We also regularly saw great egrets and little egrets which not so many years ago were also rare visitors to the UK.
Yet, once again, the star of our birding on these two days were kingfishers which we saw regularly flying in front of the hide at RSPB Greylake.
There were also good views of water rails at Greylake.
From this small reserve we also saw marsh harriers (rather distant) and grey herons and a reed warbler.
At RSPB Ham Wall there wasn’t a lot extra for us to see except for a common chiffchaff, great crested grebes and plenty of dragonflies and butterflies.
But the best of them all was my namesake in French – “Martin Pêcheur”.
If you are ever in these parts we can highly recommend The Swan at Wedmore where we stayed overnight.
Martin's Bird Blog & Nature Photos 
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10 responses to “6th and 7th August 2026 – Avalon Marshes, Somerset”
Ah wow, that last shot of the kingfisher is superb. There is nothing common about kingfishers 😉💛
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Thanks, Robbie. I think seeing kingfishers is so uplifting
Martin Tayler
Martin’s bird & nature blog: http://martinsbirdblog.com
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Yes, maybe I’ll see one in the Kruger National Park. We on our way there.
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Lucky you. Enjoy!
Martin Tayler Martin’s bird and nature blog: https://martinsbirdblog.com/
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😀💗
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Great birding and great shots, Martin. Well done.
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Thanks for your encouraging comments, Michael.
Martin Tayler
Martin’s bird & nature blog: http://martinsbirdblog.com ________________________________
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You’re most welcome.
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You are so lucky to be near the Somerset Levels. Wonderful birdwatching. Will never forget being at Ham Wall and seeing 3 bitterns flying out of the reeds and circulating the hide. The ‘booming’ was coming from all directions.
Take care though. Don’t know if I’d told you previously but its where I picked up a tick and discovered when I got home I had a ‘bull’s eye’ Lyme’s disease mark on my thigh.
Always tuck your trousers into your socks, keep your arms covered and keep out of the long grass. Incidence of Lyme’s is shooting up and you’ll need a week of specific anti-biotics. If you see that ‘bulls eye’ mark get yourself to a GP. FAST!
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The levels are a great place for birding but it’s just that bit far for us (oldies) to do in a day, so it was great to have an over-night stay. We will heed your warning about Lyme’s disease – we have enough to cope with anyway!
Hope you are getting out and about. Best wishes Martin and Wendy
Martin Tayler
Martin’s bird and nature blog: https://martinsbirdblog.com/
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