South West · Somerset
RSPB Ham Wall
Somerset Levels reedbed at its peak. November-January starling murmurations are world-famous; bittern booms April-May; great egret has colonised the reedbeds in numbers no British site can match.
Region
South West
Habitat
Reedbed, wetland
Best months
Nov-Jan (murmurations), Apr-May (bittern)
Famous for
Starling murmuration, Bittern, Great Egret, Marsh Harrier
What you'll see
The starling murmuration here is one of the most accessible in the UK. From late October to early February, hundreds of thousands of birds gather in spectacular pre-roost displays at dusk. Arrive 45 mins before sunset, pick a viewpoint along the old trackway, and wait.
Bittern boom April-May from at least 4 territories. Great egret is now resident. Marsh harriers nest. Starling roost mostly Nov-Feb. Otter regular.
How to visit
Free roadside parking, busy at dusk in winter (arrive early). Flat 1km path along old peat workings. No formal hides; multiple viewpoints.
Top species
- Starling roost (Nov-Feb)
- Bittern (Apr-May)
- Great Egret, Little Egret
- Marsh Harrier
- Otter