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Somerset - Steart Marshes (WWT) & Steart Point (NNR) (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR265A visit to Steart Marshes, the newest WWT nature reserve, and Steart Point for birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
£60 (land only)
Highlights
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Summary
The newest WWT reserve Steart Marshes has already proven its worth with a wonderful array of species including many rare birds. The sea-level walks will take us around the reserve and scanning across the saltmarshes and open lagoons which flood at high-tide. A good number of waders, egrets, Spoonbills and ducks use the pools. Merlin and Peregrine patrol the marshes in winter, whilst Hobby and Marsh Harrier can be seen during the summer months. A wide range of birds use the scrubby vegetation and reedbeds for food and shelter. These are boosted by returning summer migrants, breeding across the reserve.
During spring and autumn many passerines pass through the area including Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat. Some passing warblers many only take refuge temporarily, however, Sedge, Reed and Cetti’s Warblers are abundant, singing from the scrub and reedbeds during the summer. The marshes are home to a number of breeding waders including Avocet, Little Ringed Plover and Lapwing. Even Black-winged Stilts were successful in 2020, with three fully-fledged chicks.
After lunch we will explore Steart Point and drive the coastal lane to a number of viewpoints, where we may find Short-eared Owl (in winter) and flocks of waders and waterfowl throughout the year. Several hides at the point give commanding views over Bridgwater Bay and the Bristol Channel. We will scan for some of the many mud specialists, whilst keeping a sharp eye for raptors and passerines overhead. The surrounding farmland, meadows and hedgerows will add numerous species to our tally for the day.
- Breeding waders and a buzz of reedbed activity
- Marshes and meadows teaming with wildlife during the spring and summer
- Mudflats swell with great numbers of waders in the winter
- Opportunity for a range of butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians and plants
- Panoramic views across Bridgewater Bay and the Bristol Channel
Day Trip Location
Dates & Prices
2024
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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