The beginning of August brought the end to the hot dry weather of the previous two months; however, for myself I was away in Bulgaria viewing the wildlife of this interesting eastern country, along with the continuing warm weather. With beautiful scenery and fantastic wildlife, it was such a contrast to the quiet period of July, which is the post breeding season and waiting the on set of the migration. After a successful tern-breeding season, it was great to relax with a different collection of creatures.
Here is a flavour of Bulgarian wildlife.
Woodchat Shrike -- Bulgaria
Spotted Fritillary -- bulgaria
Queen of Spain Fritillary -- Bulgaria
So the tern once again were the highlight of the summer with the final figures being confirmed as Little Tern 20 prs (13 fledged), Sandwich tern 29 prs (18 fledged), Common Tern 15prs (5 fledged), Black-Headed Gull 459prs (584 fledged) and Mediterranean Gull 6prs (8 fledged) and another record set for Tern Island and the benefits of the new fence were all to seen. Even another American visitor in the shape of a Royal Tern graced the site for a short time. These rare terns continue to enjoy the site after 2017 Elegant Tern.
Juv Little Tern class of 2018
After returning from Bulgaria, the migration was in full flow with the first early returning birds in the bushes and shingle whitethroat, pied and spotted flycatchers, whinchat and wheatears were the first to excite the local birdwatcher. On the pools Little Stint, curlew sandpiper and ruff, followed an early wood sandpiper. Then by the end of August Ospreys were being seen daily, then the discovery of two wryneck on the last week was a highlight despite being very elusive. Long legged wading birds then became the main feature with a spoonbill visiting Whites creek that continues to be there at time of writing and an unprecedented 12 Cattle Egret appeared as part of a countrywide invasion of this southern species.
Cattle Egret -- North Fields
Wood Sandpiper -- Ferry Pool
The cool evenings in September mean that the mothing was slow however, two micro moths new to the reserve were caught in the first week
Elachista alpinella -- Second for Sussex
Acleris emargana
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon