Birds and Mothsof Burnham-on-Sea |
|
All of these habitats are covered by OS Landranger Map 182. Habitat ~ Sand dunes stabilised with Sea-buckthorn and Marram Grass, border most of the Berrow coastline from Brean Down to Burnham-on-Sea. Beyond the dunes lie a variety of habitats including areas of marsh, where Spartina and Mediterranean Rush can be found, reed beds, and the Burnham and Berrow Golf Course with scattered bushes, trees, ponds and open grass areas. The golf course is also a haven for several species of orchid, including Bee Orchid, Lizard Orchid and Marsh Hellebore. Species ~ During the winter months, large numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings can be seen feasting on Sea-buckthorn berries alongside extraordinary numbers of Blackcaps. Bearded Tits flit through the reeds accompanied by the explosive song of Cettis Warblers and the squeals of Water Rails. Jack Snipe and good numbers of Common Snipe can be flushed from the marshes. Thousands of Dunlin can be spotted along the shore. Spring sees the arrival of Wheatears followed by more common summer warblers whilst Hirundines zip northwards through the sky. The autumn months bring waders such as roosting Ringed Plover. Numbers of Sanderling peak during these months. History ~ Rarities have included a pair of breeding Hoopoes (1977), 3 Common Cranes (2002). Tawny Pipit, Wryneck, Short-toed Larks, Kentish Plover and Dotterel have been found on the beach at Berrow. The reed bed and golf course have yielded Barred Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Penduline Tit, Aquatic Warbler and Golden Orioles over the years, but perhaps the biggest highlight (so far!) was a Yellow Breasted Bunting (1980). Location ~ A small car park, situated at the junction of the B3139 and the B3140 in Berrow Village (ST301515), provides an excellent starting point for a walk through the varied habitats out to the beach. A footpath next to The Berrow Inn leads across the golf course and to a boardwalk though the reed bed and sand dunes to the beach. Another good footpath to the north runs from Berrow Church, across the golf course, through dense bushes around the reed bed then out onto the beach. Please take note of the rights-of-way marked on the golf course and respect local residents and church users when parking vehicles. Map of this area courtesy of streetmap.co.uk
Habitat ~ The Brue Estuary is tidal and flows into the Parrett Estuary. Small pools are often formed on the grassy banks which border the river. A short distance in from the river mouth, is a small area of public park land at Apex. The pools at Apex are disused brick pits with reedy edges, surrounded by rough grass and newly planted trees. Species ~ Expect to hear Cettis Warblers singing year-round and Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers in summer months. In addition to many feral ducks and swans paddling their way through miniature boats on the main pond, Great Crested Grebe can be seen performing their own impressive maneuvers across the water, whilst Kingfishers zip along the banks or dive from branches over-hanging the water to the sound of wintering and breeding Chiffchaffs. Parties of Whimbrel can be seen flying towards Steart Island on spring evenings. Roosting waders on the estuary include good numbers of Turnstone, Redshank and the occasional Spotted Redshank. In autumn months Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers can often be spotted amongst flocks of Dunlin. History ~ Rarities have included a summer plumaged White-Winged Black Tern, Serin, Wryneck and a wintering Great Grey Shrike at Apex. Pectoral Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Laughing Gull and Little Bittern have all turned up in the Brue Estuary. Location ~ Ample free car parking adjacent to the Apex pools is situated off Marine Drive (ST309479). From here footpaths lead around all of the pools and along the banks of the Brue Estuary towards either Burnham or Highbridge. This is also a popular territory for dogs walking their owners and can be busy during holiday times. Map of this area courtesy of streetmap.co.uk
Habitat ~ Brean Down is a limestone extension of the Mendip Hills, which projects out into the Bristol Channel. It is mainly covered in short grassland, bracken and Hawthorn scrub. At the eastern end of the down lies the Axe Estuary. Species ~ will be updated soon History ~ will be updated soon Location ~ will be updated soon Map of this area courtesy of streetmap.co.uk
Habitat ~ The old concrete shelters along the sea wall in Burnham-on-Sea provide excellent sea-watching bases where many birdwatchers can be found huddled during high tides in stormy weather. The view of the "sea" (Bristol Channel) and surrounding Bridgwater Bay on a clear day encompasses the mudflats in the channel, Steart Island, Wall Common, Hinkley Point and the Devon coastline beyond. The shape of the Bristol Channel creates a huge duck decoy effect, whereby birds are funneled up the channel in westerly winds, forcing them close inshore at Burnham as they try to return out to sea. The stretch of beach from Burnham sea wall towards and beyond the old wooden lighthouse is bordered with sand dunes covered in Sea-buckthorn and scrub. Species ~ Huge flocks of Shelduck can be viewed here in addition to good numbers of waders. In the spring, easterly winds produce passages of Terns often chased by Skuas skimming the water, whilst Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats sing from the reed beds and surrounding scrub. History ~ In October 1952, an extraordinary wreck of over 1000 Leach's Petrels scattered the coastline after they had been funneled up the channel and perished, exhausted from battling the rough conditions. Similar conditions reveal smaller sightings of these birds annually, accompanied in 1999 by a Wilson's Petrel. The patience and determination of sea- watching can bring surprising rewards! The Christmas visitor of 2000, a Lesser Whitethroat, remained for a few days gorging on Sea Buckthorn berries and provided much debate on its possible eastern origins. Location ~ The south end of The Esplanade (ST302483) provides easy access to the sea-watching shelters and the mouth of the River Brue. Parking along Burnham seafront can be difficult in peak holiday season and parking meters now operate from April to the end of September. Map of this area courtesy of streetmap.co.uk
|
Useful books covering these habitats and their
species include: