Migration is in full follow although generally in short spurts as the wind swings from the predominantly north direction back to the south. The reserve is now filled with a multitude of warblers. Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Reed, Sedge, chiffchaff and Willow Warbler song is filling the air especially when the sun comes out and the chill is removed from the wind. More unexpectedly are the reel of a Grasshopper Warbler with an unprecedented three on the reserve on the 19th. Other more quiet migrants continue to move through the reserve with Wheatears and Redstarts around church Norton to watch out for.
Blackcap (Above) and Lesser Whitethroat (Below)
Common Whitethroat (above) and Willow Warbler (below)
Wheatear
The Swallows are now streaming through the reserve accompanied by a few Sand Martin and House Martin, whilst the first Swifts have arrived on the reserve. They are joined by the familiar call of the Cuckoo.
Sand Martin
Most of the wintering waders have now left for the summer and have been replaced by the migrant Whimbrel and Greenshank. The few waders that have remained a little long have started to be transformed in to their summer plumage the vibrant browns of the Black Tailed Godwit and the eerily beautiful black of the Spotted Redshank.
Curlew and Whimbrel (above)
Spotted Redshank
This is the time for the unusual and this year is not exception with a stunning Cattle Egret in full summer plumage and a Long Eared Owl proving very elusive. Whilst being accompanied by the strange sounds of the Herons and Little Egrets as they prepare to breed.
Long Eared Owl
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon