Water Rail
A regular winter visitor to the reed beds of Chard reservoir. Normally single birds, sometimes 2, these shy & retiring Rails are usually given away by their harsh 'squealing' calls.
10/10/57 - single bird.
22/10/59 - Single bird.
19/03/64 - Single bird.
20/10/66 - Single bird.
01/05/69 - Single bird.
13/11/69 - Single bird. Recorded again on 20/11.
1991 - Single bird recorded during 1st winter period.
18/10/92 - Single bird recorded over the winter, often seen from the hide.
18/02/93 - Single bird. Another bird recorded at nearby sewage works on 12/11.
28/11/94 - Single bird calling. Seen on 17/12.
06/01/95 - Single bird calling.
08/09/95 - Adult bird seen.
07/10/96 - Single bird seen & heard. Recorded as possibly being present since 24/09.
??/12/96 - 2 birds recorded.
??/01/97 - 2 or 3 birds present. Seen & heard on many dates.
??/10/97 - Single bird until year end.
??/01/98 - Single bird heard on many dates.
17/10/98 - Single bird present until year end.
1999 - Single bird heard throughout January, February & March.
27/09/99 - Single bird present until year end, joined by 1 or 2 more in December.
2000 - Recorded on 6 winter dates with notably 2 on 07/11 and 3 on 16/12.
2001 - Recorded on 11 winter dates with notably 2 on 21/01, 2 on 4 dates in November with possibly 3 on 17/11
2002 - Singles heard or seen on 10 winter dates.
2003 - Recorded on 11 winter dates with 2 on 31/10
2004 - Singles recorded on 10 winter dates
2005 - Singles recorded on 7 winter dates
2006 - None recorded
2007 - Just one reported on 23/12