Wildlife at Avon Meadows
Avon Meadows supports an incredible diversity of wildlife throughout the seasons. From rare wading birds to vibrant dragonflies, there is always something remarkable to discover.
Recent Sightings
Our community of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts regularly report their sightings. Check back often for the latest observations from the reserve.
Grey Heron
Seen regularly at the main pond
Often seen hunting from the bankside or standing motionless in the shallows during early morning.
Kingfisher
Spotted along the river corridor
A flash of electric blue, regularly seen darting along the stream. Best viewed from the southern boardwalk.
Great Crested Grebe
Breeding pair on the lake
A pair has been nesting on the main lake since spring, delighting visitors with their elaborate courtship displays.
Lapwing
Winter flocks on wet meadows
Large flocks can be seen during winter months, their distinctive tumbling flight display visible from the main path.
Annotated Bird List
Below is a comprehensive list of bird species recorded at Avon Meadows over the years, with notes on their status and seasonal occurrence.
Filter by status
32 species shown
Breeds on site; regularly seen hunting along the riverbank at dawn.
Year-round resident; electric blue flash along the stream corridor.
Nesting pair on the main lake; elaborate courtship display in spring.
Pair breeds annually; cygnets visible from May onwards.
Nests in the old riverside barn; best seen hunting at dusk over the meadows.
Heard more often than seen; explosive song from dense reedbeds.
Shy resident of the quieter backwaters; trilling call distinctive.
Common throughout; nests among emergent vegetation around all water bodies.
Abundant resident; aggressive territorial displays in early spring.
Now a regular resident after colonising in the early 2000s.
Male's black hood and white moustache visible in reedbed margins.
Arrives late April; nests woven around reed stems above the water.
First spring migrant; nests in sandy riverbank colonies nearby.
Energetic singer from low scrub and reedbed edges; arrives in April.
Visits to feed over the main lake; elegant plunge-diver.
Spectacular aerial hunter; pursues dragonflies and hirundines over the reserve.
Bright yellow male seen in the wet meadows; declining nationally.
Reeling song from rank vegetation at the reserve edge; elusive.
Large winter flocks on wet meadows; tumbling display flight spectacular.
Cryptic wader probing soft mud; best flushed from reedbed margins.
Flocks of up to 200 birds roost on the main lake in cold weather.
Distinctive whistling call; grazes on winter-flooded grassland.
Spoon-shaped bill filters water; small numbers on the lake each winter.
Scandinavian thrush; flocks feed on hawthorn berries in hedgerows.
Pig-like squealing call from reedbeds; secretive but occasionally glimpsed.
Smallest snipe; bobs rhythmically when flushed; easily overlooked.
Tiny wader pausing on exposed muddy margins in autumn.
Bobs along riverside margins in spring and autumn.
Dark above, white below; flushes with a loud call from ditch edges.
Britain's only summer-visiting duck; rare stop-off in spring.
Occasional spring and autumn visitor; dramatic plunge-dives for fish.
Large, buoyant raptor quartering over reedbeds during migration.
Bird Picture Gallery
A selection of photographs taken by our volunteers and visitors showcasing the birdlife at Avon Meadows.
