The changeable weather conditions still dominant the migration period. After period of northerly wind the wind finally moved to the south releasing the block on migrants and suddenly there were two or three days of movements and in particularly Black Tern. A number were reported both at Medmerry and Church Norton passing through on the coast. But one summer plumage bird spent the afternoon at the Stilt pools.

 

Black Tern at the Stilt Pools

The Cattle Egret finally took it leave of us not before a sighting or two up at the north fields where it was joined by a Red Kite, with three further Red Kite reported over the Visitor Centre as well. A brief visit by a Garganey on the Breach Pool was a pleasant surprise.

 

Garganey

The breeding season is well on the way with both the Blue Tits and Tawny Owls, live at the Visitor Centre, and have hatched young. As we go to press the young owlets are venturing out on to the branches near there box. Whilst out on the Reserves Black Headed Gull, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher have laying there first eggs, but the Avocets are just starting to hatch.

 

Tawny Owl Chick

Sandwich Tern

The moth trap has been running at the centre but the catches are still limited as the nights remain cold.

 


Brindled Beauty


Chocolate-tip


Frosted Green


Least Black Arches


Maple Prominent


Bloxworth Snout


Bee-fly

The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon