The summer seems to have finally arrived over the last couple of days with temperatures soaring in to the upper 20’s or higher. It is typically thought of as a quiet time on the reserve in particular in regards to the birds. However this is because many of the smaller birds are finishing feeding their young and starting to recover their body weight ready for the long journey southwards. But the tranquillity of the reserve is broken is regularly broken down at Church Norton by the squabbling of the gulls and terns on Tern Island, especially when buzzed by the Peregrine.
Juvenile Peregrine
It has been another successful year, despite the many challengers they have faced over the last few months including the poor weather. Black Headed Gull juveniles cover the saltmarsh (up to date 47 fledged) making it the best breeding season since the colony was created about four years ago. Sandwich Terns have fledged 3 juveniles only the fourth time and are now being joined by young from Langstone Harbour. Common Terns are starting to create their pre-migrating flocks with over 100 birds joining the breeding birds, including the 9 fledge chicks so far this season. Little Terns which have moved their colony from the spit to Tern Island have also had success with 9 young fledged this season with some activity still out on the island. .
Above -- Sequence of Black Headed Gull Hatching
Above -- Sandwich Tern juvenile
Above -- Common Tern carrying fish and the recipient of the fish
Above -- Little Tern adult and almost fledged young
Not forgetting success with Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover
Juv Ringed Plover
As the evenings feels as summer evening are supposed to then a wide array of moths will appear. Some of the species recorded recently are below:
Swallowtail Moth
Dot Moth
Apple Leaf Mine
Kent Black Arches
Blue Bordered Carpet
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon