Monthly Sightings Summary - June 2023

Although June is typically thought of as a month where we progress in to summer and things can quieten down, the birds thought otherwise. There was a movement of ducks which delivered a smart drake BLUE-WINGED TEAL on 10th which stayed till 13th, the undoubted highlight of the month and perhaps year to date. It was found out on the scrapes on Ferry, seen from the viewing shelter where it was generally elusive, hiding amongst vegetation. This represents the second record for the reserve.

Blue-winged Teal on Ferry - Henry Cook

Migration was also evident in the waders with some late movement through the site. Other birds seen during the month included:

• Hobby - 10 over Elney at 4am on 1st
• Ringed Plover - 12 on Moore on 1st
• Sanderling - 2 on Moore on 1st
• Black Tern - on Moore on 1st, 2 on Ferry on 2nd, 2 on Ferry on 10th
• Garganey - drake on Ferry on 3rd
• Caspian Gull - 3cy on Moore on 3rd
• Glossy Ibis - 2 on Ferry on 11th, 1 on 12th
• Cattle Egret - on Ferry on 12th, 2 on 13th
• Snipe - Ferry on 13th
• Common Scoter - female on Ferry on 15th, something of a reserve rarity 
• Sandwich Tern - 2 over Ferry on 21st, 1 on 22nd
• Marsh Harrier - 2 over Holywell on 21st a female and juvenile although not bred on site.
• Green Sandpiper - 2 on Ferry and Moore, early returners

Amongst the wider wildlife on the reserve, White-legged Damselflies were recorded on Middle Fen where they are traditionally found. The first Brown Hawkers and Ruddy Darters were out along drains. Butterflies have been extraordinarily thin on the ground but a flush of Commas was encouraging to see. Occasional sightings were had of families of Foxes and unusually a few Weasels too, suggesting they've got young they are needing to feed.