3 New Species - Not Bad!

Date spotted: 21st April 2013 - All Day

Location: Cheddar Reservoir - Apex Leisure Park

Observation: Visited Cheddar Reservoir in hunt of the Arctic Terns and hoping for some record shots, but couldn't have asked for more! Arrived and walked anti-clockwise around the Reservoir, around 20 minutes into the walk, a Common Sandpiper was around 15 feet away from us feeding on the shoreline, so we sat and took some pictures, it got spooked and then flew off west across the Reservoir. Around the North side of the Reservoir, there were a small group (15+) Great-Crested Grebe feeding and around a bit more were a small group of Arctic Terns (12+) sat on the steps. We slowly creeped up to take some pictures and sat and watched for a while, weren't fussed by our presence but we left them to it after getting some flight and perched pictures and some video footage. Very pleased with this. Lots of Swallows and House Martins flying around aswell! We then drove down to Apex Leisure Park and walked around, there were quite a few (25+) Arctic Terns diving in the ponds there and not really fussed by people walking past! Amazing little birds! We walked out to the Estruary but only Redshank (80+) there. Back by the first pond, were Willow Warblers and Reed Warblers in Alder tree during rain shower. Rosy-Billed Pochard (escaped species) showing very well in first pond. Very successful day with 3 new species to add to the list! 

Weather: Cloudy, Little Wind, Sun Appearing Throughout

Other Species: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Black-Headed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Arctic Tern, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Coot, Moorhen, Hybrid Mallard, Great-Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Common Sandpiper, Cormorant, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Artic Skua, Mistle Thrush, Grey Heron, Rosy-Billed Pochard (Escaped Species)