The heatwave temperatures have subsided a few degrees, allowing a few hours birding at Alkborough this afternoon in more comfortable conditions. The wetland area looked good with a reasonable mix of wader species present. Avocets were by far the most numerous species, followed by brightly coloured Black-tailed Godwits. Common Redshank and twelve Spotted Redshanks were seen along with around twenty Ruff. Spotted Redshank moulting to Winter plumage. The Ruffs were also in very varying plumages. The Spoonbills are a regular sight now and ten birds remained for most of the afternoon until flushed by a Marsh Harrier flying low over the water. ...... and a smart adult Reed Warbler collecting food.
I couldn't leave without seeing the Bearded Tits which were appearing everywhere. Without doubt, a good breeding season as every bird seen was a juvenile. I recorded a temperature of 32C this afternoon at Tophill Low and if evidence was needed that it was exceedingly hot, this Grey Heron agreed with me completely. I have never seen a Grey Heron adopt these postures before and was clearly trying to keep cool. These images were taken on the South Marsh East where single Black-tailed Godwit, Green and Common Sandpiper were also noted. Six Little Egrets were present including this quite young individual which was constantly harassing a parent bird. This successful breeding has possibly happened not too far away. The Reserve was very quiet today with little movement of birds around or over the area. The other notable sighting was one of the recently fledged Marsh Harriers hiding on the riverbank.
Any remaining clouds cleared late afternoon and a warm, still evening, showed this reserve off to its very best. A view of the reedbed lake with assembling Lapwings. Leaving the car at the far end of Dryham Lane, there was a general panic among the Common Terns on the Ings. I soon found an adult Peregrine, one of two birds seen, to be the likely cause of concern. The terns didn't hesitate in flying up to the Peregrine and chasing it off. I spent much of my time around the reedbed lake as so far, I still haven't seen the Bearded Tits which are on the Reserve. I did manage to hear two 'pings' from the beardies during my time watching, but only saw Reed Bunting and several Reed Warblers still carrying food. The 'eclipse' male Garganey was on this lake and came from the far side to feed close to the hide. The only wading birds apart from a Little Egret and Grey Heron were the Lapwings which increased in numbers to around forty birds. Hirundines of all the usual species were seen at the lake, a Common Buzzard passed over and I made my way to the Ings. A few Black-headed Gulls remain with their young, as are the Common Terns which appear to have done well. The ducks have bred well also, below are three of the Shelduck with young Shoveler in the foreground. Another resident I haven't seen for some time is the drake Mandarin. He is also in eclipse plumage now but looks quite smart, in his own way! The sun was beginning to set as I checked the Main Lake, much quieter now the Black-headed Gulls have completed their breeding. I was pleased to see two Kingfishers chase each other around the edge of the lake. As it became dusk, the Barn Owls appeared. I saw at least two and possibly a third. I say this because of the direction in which the owls flew off, carrying food to their nest sites. Their were plenty of small mammals to be found and the owls were returning to the nests quite frequently.
As some of my regular sites are a little quiet while we await the returning wader migration, I visited Bempton today to see how our seabirds are fairing during their breeding season. A lovely clear morning with calm sea and excellent visibility all round. The walk down to the sea cliffs showed that the local Tree Sparrows were busy in the fields and many young birds were evident. Skylarks were singing and Meadow Pipits were showing well along the fence lines. I walked South on the cliffs to start with, making for the closest views of the spectacular Northern Gannets. I soon found some of the successful breeders with their large fluffy chick being closely watched over by the parent birds. Many of the adults were resting or cruising around the cliffs on a light breeze. Kittiwakes were in huge numbers and many were nesting successfully. They are such a pristine small seabird and soon these tiny chicks will be sporting their 1st winter plumage with the conspicuous black 'W' across the wings. The Guillemot is probably the most numerous bird on the cliffs and you only have to look down on the sea where large 'rafts' of Guillemots, together with Razorbills and Puffins can be seen A small meal brought back to the ledge. Perhaps for a youngster, out of sight between the parents. Again, chicks clearly visible along the ledges. This adult Guillemot held its wings extended as the chick tottered about on the narrow ledge. Very little room for exercise or movement on these sheer cliffs. Razorbills were on all the cliffs though I didn't see any with young at this time. There seem to be plenty of Puffins here this year. I had no trouble finding them on almost all the cliffs and there were many sitting on the sea too. As to how well they are breeding, that isn't so easy to assess compared to the previous birds. The Puffins nest in burrows or concealed crevices and the young rarely show before taking their leap off the cliffs at night, and disappearing out to sea. Today I was very lucky to see a young Puffin or 'pufflin' as one emerged from a crevice for a short time. The Puffins entertained the visitors as always, still holding on to their colourful bills until breeding is over. The dark shape behind this adult is the young Puffin. The bird I struggled to see in any great numbers was the Fulmar. I did see quite a few in flight and believe many are at sea at the moment. One was found on the cliff eventually!
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