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CVLbirding is sponsored by Bristol Water plc

WATER LEVEL 83% on 02.09.08

Chew Valley Lake is a semi-natural reservoir ten miles south of Bristol, and is the largest lake in south-west England. This website contains frequently updated news and information on its birds and wildlife, access, maps, and the definitive Chew bird list!

Species to look out for this month include:
Black-necked Grebe - More frequent in recent years; normally one or two can be found, best chance is amongst the masses of Coots in Stratford Bay.  
Little Egret - Usually a bird or two, most likely in one of the more sheltered bays or Heron's Green Pool.  
Garganey - Check the Teal.  
Ferruginous Duck - One or two have been present in the last couple of autumns - check the duck flocks in Stratford Bay.  
Marsh Harrier - One or two usually pass through, although they rarely linger and are difficult to catch up with.  
Osprey - See previous species (although we may get lucky and have one stay a few days).  
Hobby - Usually a bird or two lingers as they pass through; look over the main reedbed from Stratford or Herriott's Bridge for the best chance.  
Spotted Crake - One of the more reliable scarcities of recent years. Heron's Green Pool is the best bet.  
Little Gull - Notwithstanding the no-show in August, this species should appear - look in the centre of the lake off Nunnery Point for birds in flight.  
Arctic Tern - Often turns up after strong SW winds at this time of year.  
Yellow-legged Gull - Usually a few birds can be found around the lake, often at Herriott's Pool or on the lake from Sutton Wick. Higher numbers in the evening roost with the Lessers.  
Black Tern - Usually small groups (single figures) but occasionally a big flock appears. Look towards the centre of the lake - one of the classic birding sights of autumn at Chew. Check them all, as were're overdue another White-winged Black!  
Kingfisher - As young from nearby nest sites start to disperse this can be quite a reliable bird if you spend any amount of time at the lake. Know the call.  
Whinchat - Check Moreton Bank and Heron's Green Pool for this species. Sometimes small numbers occur together.