June 2011 Bird Survey Results

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Sorry David, only remembered I hadn’t posted your collated totals for June as we are due to do July’s survey!
(N.B. Shelduck was a write-in on the June survey; adult Sand Martins numbered around 21 – hard to count as they zoom around – now added to by juveniles as can be seen by David’s photos.)

Debbie

May Bird Survey – Sunday 15th May 2011

The Grasshopper Warbler, heard by some of the Bird Survey participants, has already been mentioned. Note that it was only heard – it was very difficult to pin down exactly from where this unusual song (a mechanical, whirring reel) was originating.

More common, but far more entertaining were the Sand Martins dashing round the sky and around the holes in the banks of Pymmes Brook. Conveniently viewed from the road near the Waterside Visitor Centre, there were 20+ birds flying in and out of the holes. Sometimes up to four birds flew into the same tiny hole entrance! Not quite sure what was going on – let’s hope they’ve decided to try nesting here.

David Cottridge captured some of the action – here is one of his Sand Martin shots.

He also caught a Reed Warbler in full song.

Other summer visitors included Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Sedge Warblers.

Debbie

February 2011 Bird Survey results

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Thought I’d add this month’s survey results as a blog entry (until the Download facility is available). Despite the dull conditions, some birds were obviously moving into spring mode as their singing and pairing up showed.
Overall, a good variety of birds were seen and West Marsh even had a write in – Coal Tit. Not sure if this was a first for the Marsh?!

Debbie