A July Bird Report

Because of the Covid restrictions, all of our bird observations have been from the gardens and local walks.  Group members have reported a wide range of species, particularly on their walks.  Goosanders seem to have had a productive year at various places along the river.  Common Sandpiper have been seen at their usual sites and Curlew numbers seem to be increasing, perhaps as a result of less disturbance early in the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There have also been lots of sightings of smaller summer visitors – Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear. Another uncommon visitor seen more often than usual on our local moors has been the Ring Ouzel.

By July, birds are getting to the end of the breeding cycle.  Gardens are full of young Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Greenfinch and Robin. The only “song” now is of the Collared Dove and the Wood Pigeon. Soon the sky will be empty of the screaming Swifts as they return to Africa but the Swallows are feeding their second brood in my outhouse. Ring Ouzels will be thinking of leaving the moors.

 

 

 

 

 

Although in decline in some places, House Sparrows are numerous in gardens with feeders and plenty of nest sites.  Also attracted to the feeders are Great Spotted Woodpeckers – both male and female adults and their red-capped young.

One disappointment in my garden has been the failure to breed of the Spotted Flycatchers.  The adults appeared at their usual time  and flew straight to their nest box; a nest was made and eggs laid and then something went wrong. Rain, wind or predator and sadly no young , the first failure in many years.

The group will be hoping that some time soon we will be able to undertake our outings again.  In the meantime please keep up your recording.

Win Clements

Based on observations by Joan and Chris Alder, Christine Bell, Win Clements, Josephine Drake, Clare Dunn, Hanneke Dye, Ann Shaw, and Marg Smith.