With the progression into summer the focus has moved on to breeding birds. We have been doing surveys to assess population levels and there are some species having very good years including the Black-headed Gulls with over 500 pairs on Ferry Lagoon alone producing at least 100 young so far. Turtle Doves are here in good numbers this year with 6 territories thought to be present and evidence of females in 2 of them. The month was characterised by largely sunny, dry and some very warm weather which has meant water levels are dropping on the lagoons and have revealed some nice mud for waders to enjoy. The 4 Avocets which appeared in May stayed and decided to nest! It was bittersweet though, because although we got to enjoy chicks hatching in both of the nests that were laid, they fell prey to predators fairly quickly (presumably Lesser Black-backed Gulls or Crows). This was the first time in years they have nested so it was a welcome return. Some nice sightings have been had on the reserve and with a greater focus on the wider wildlife some unusual species have been recorded. Other sightings of note this month were:
Other wildlife