The day for our trip to RSPB Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath started with bright sunshine which was to continue throughout the day. These two reserves are part of a group of reserves that comprise the wider Avalon Marshes on the Somerset Levels. Due to meet at Ham Wall at 10.30 the group leader and passengers were delayed by cattle egrets, little egrets and yellow wagtails on Tealham Moor.

Just a few minutes late and paperwork completed the group set off towards the main part of the reserve. We were accompanied by the delightful song of reed warblers, blackcaps and garden warblers. As most birdwatchers are also general wildlife enthusiasts our first distraction was the large number of dragonflies brought out by the warm sunshine. We saw four spotted chasers, scarce chasers and assorted blue damselflies.

The first viewing platform was generally quiet as expected given that most of the winter visiting ducks had departed for their breeding grounds. However, a brief glimpse of a bittern was encouraging as was good views of marsh harrier, both species breeding in the reed beds. The booming call of the resident bitterns was to be heard on and off during our visit. Onward along the main track and then across the bridge over the Glastonbury Canal towards the Avalon Hide with its almost 360-degree view over the marshes and reed beds. Great crested grebes, pochard, gadwall and coots were all visible as was another marsh harrier.

After a welcome sit down in the cool of the hide we made our way back to the car park picnic area for lunch. As we walked back some members had excellent views of a fly over bittern and a large grass snake was pointed out to us hiding in the warmth of the structure of the old railway bridge over the South Drain. Butterflies were present in increasing numbers especially the sulphur yellow brimstones. After lunch and a welcome ice cream we took the short walk to enter the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve.

The main track of both Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath is the old branch railway line across the moors to Burnham on Sea. We had good views of great white egret a great local breeding success as we walked as far as the bridge over the South Drain where we saw more dragonflies including the rather beautiful, banded demoiselle. On our return journey to the Ham Wall car park, we were lucky to see the highlight of the day first one hobby then another hunting dragonflies at high speed over the reed beds.