Pittswood Birds

This morning was cloudy with a cool SW wind, that strengthened through the day, bringing a few thundery showers by the afternoon.

During my 6 hour patch visit today, another big daylist was achieved - 52 bird species in all, the only regulars missing were Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Long Tailed Tit and Canada Goose. I didn't find any more species with young to add to the years breeding list, but I did find a species that was new to the patch year list - a TURTLE DOVE (92,74), a lone bird was sitting on the power cables that cross through the Scrubby Woods, this is a traditional breeding place for Turtle doves, so lets hope it finds a mate! Its arrival is 32 days later than the 13 year median arrival date, a telling sign that this species is fast on its way to becoming an extinct breeding species for my patch, on a more positive note, it is the 74th species to be recorded this month, a new May species record has been set!

Other bits and pieces seen today were ; another sighting of the MANDARIN DUCK in the Wet Woods, with all 10 chicks still in tow, also, good views of the TREECREEPER family in the Scrubby Woods, too dark under the tree canopy for any photo's though. The LESSER WHITETHROAT sang from the Greenhouse Grounds, where the LITTLE OWL and female KESTREL were also seen. A COMMON BUZZARD and a SPARROWHAWK were up hunting, as well as the male Kestrel, plus flyovers from HERRING GULL, LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL, GREY HERON, plenty of SWIFTS and a single HOUSE MARTIN played their part in the large variety of species seen today  :-)

The only photo's I took today were from my garden, in some less than helpful light! at least it brightens the post up!

BLUE TITS have started to bring in their fledglings

Two of these HOUSE SPARROWS visited today, a peak count for May!

A hoard of up to 18 young STARLINGS are scoffing large amounts of suet!