May 2007 Bird Report

May is the month for the residents to breed and the occasional stop-over by birds heading further north to breed. In contrast to April, May has been cold and wet this year. 

Little Egret were present on 13th and 27th. Numerous families of Mallard and Canada Geese can be seen – also Moorhen, and 2 broods of Egyptian Geese on 27th. The 3 nests of Mandarin Ducks in the nest boxes hatched, but the young are rarely seen on the Reserve, preferring the more secluded lakes to the south and east. A male Ruddy Duck dropped by on the 24th. 

Hobby has been regular but not numerous. Peregrine were seen on 2nd and two on the 4th. A pair of Kestrels are probably nesting in the top section of the Barn Owl box on the new workings and I believe the Barn Owls are feeding young in the main section of the box. After being evident last month, Little Owls seem to have disappeared from the willow tree near the notice board. 2 Red-legged Partridge were seen around the 16th. 

The last departing Snipe was seen on the 7th and Green Sandpiper on the 4th. By the month end, young Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover and Redshank were present. 

The passage of waders has continued with Ringed Plover (up to 8) between 13th and 29th, Greenshank on 1st and 28/29th, Oystercatcher around the 20th, Common Sandpiper until 12th and Dunlin (up to 11) between 10th and 27th. A Little Stint, 2 Wood Sandpipers and a Whimbrel on the on 1st.  A flock of 7 Sanderling were present on the new workings on 27th with 4 remaining until 29th, an exceptional record. A Knot was also present on the 28th, which is only the second record for the site, the previous being in 1992. 

The Black-headed Gull colony has an estimated 160 nests this year, and young were visible by the end of the month.  While over 30 Common Terns were present at the beginning of the month, they do not appear to be nesting on the Reserve for the first time since 1991.  The pressure from the Gulls and the predation by (probably) Mink last year must have deterred them. A passing Arctic Tern was present on the 4th. 

The build up of Sand Martins, Swallows, House Martins and Swifts continued into the month. More Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear have been seen, including a Blue-headed Wagtail (a continental race of Yellow Wagtail) around the 24th. Good numbers of Warblers are breeding in the area, but poor weather may affect the outcome.  Blue and Great Tits have done well in the nest boxes this year, including at least one nest containing young of both species.

 Bruce Archer