Wow, its been a very hot July. Temperatures have reached the lower thirties Celsius on a virtually daily basis and the weather forecasters say that it will continue for sometime yet, amazing.
On the birding front it was disappointing news for the Mediterranean Gulls at Moor Green Lakes. The eggs failed to hatch and the adults abandoned the nest site. Hopefully they may return next spring to try again.
On the 10th, I was in the garden, when I noticed a commotion going on in the bamboo next to me. After a few seconds out flew a male Sparrowhawk, which landed on the back of a garden chair a few feet away. It took no notice of me and continued to look at the bamboo. It soon gave up as there was no further movement and flew away. Close up, the bird was stunning, its plumage was immaculate. I have never been that close to a Sparrowhawk before and probably never will again .
On the 14th, whilst looking out of the bathroom window (as you do) at the garden, I saw a Goldfinch coming out of a large conifer that is situated next to my pond. A quick scan with the binoculars found a female sitting on its nest. Goldfinch are regular visitors to the garden, but this is the first time that they have nested here.
I have been keeping a daily eye on the nest and the good news is that there are four well grown chicks in it, which all being well, should fledge in the next few days.
Although birding is slow at the moment, there are signs of early migration.
On the 24th, at Moor Green Lakes, I saw a Black Tailed Godwit and on the 31st, two Ringed Plovers, so things should speed up a bit in the next few weeks, when the summer visitors leave and the winter visitors begin to arrive.
On the birding front it was disappointing news for the Mediterranean Gulls at Moor Green Lakes. The eggs failed to hatch and the adults abandoned the nest site. Hopefully they may return next spring to try again.
On the 10th, I was in the garden, when I noticed a commotion going on in the bamboo next to me. After a few seconds out flew a male Sparrowhawk, which landed on the back of a garden chair a few feet away. It took no notice of me and continued to look at the bamboo. It soon gave up as there was no further movement and flew away. Close up, the bird was stunning, its plumage was immaculate. I have never been that close to a Sparrowhawk before and probably never will again .
On the 14th, whilst looking out of the bathroom window (as you do) at the garden, I saw a Goldfinch coming out of a large conifer that is situated next to my pond. A quick scan with the binoculars found a female sitting on its nest. Goldfinch are regular visitors to the garden, but this is the first time that they have nested here.
I have been keeping a daily eye on the nest and the good news is that there are four well grown chicks in it, which all being well, should fledge in the next few days.
Although birding is slow at the moment, there are signs of early migration.
On the 24th, at Moor Green Lakes, I saw a Black Tailed Godwit and on the 31st, two Ringed Plovers, so things should speed up a bit in the next few weeks, when the summer visitors leave and the winter visitors begin to arrive.
RSS Feed
