The height of summer brought some really exciting birds to Fen Drayton Lakes. Whether it was return passage of waders, congregations of passerines, uncommon breeding records or vagrants to the area, there was often a lot to see. The Glossy Ibis remained throughout, favouring Ferry Lagoon but occasionally also appearing on Moore and on one occasion two birds were confirmed. The highlight had to be the confirmed breeding of Hobbys on the reserve, which is rarely confirmed despite us seeing family groups most summers. They chose an old Crows nest and fledged 3 young which have since been showing well on the dead trees around Holywell. They are now independent and feeding on lots of Migrant Hawker dragonflies.
Recently fledged Hobbys
Also seen during the month were:
In other news a few sightings of Lesser Emperor dragonfly were recorded during the month, all on Ferry. Check the margins of the lakes and adjacent trees for this new coloniser.
Henry Cook Assistant Warden – Fen Drayton Lakes