Now the swifts are here we almost have a full complement of our summer migrants. However keep an eye out for spotted flycatchers and house martins as we have not heard of many sightings so far this year. Please remember to record your sightings on the Birdtrack website. Its also a great time to look for insects as butterflies, bees and dragonflies are on the wing.
Now that the temperature is warming up it is a great time to get out and about and enjoy the variety of birdsong that this season is famous for. Have a look on our events pages to see if you have any dawn chorus walks at your local RSPB reserves, these are well worth getting up early for.
The mixed bag of weather that we have had so far in May has caused some concern for nesting birds, particularly blue tits. We have spoken to a few concerned people who have witnessed nestlings dying off. This may be related to the late frosts to over the last two weeks as well as the shortage of insect food as a result of the colder weather. Hopefully the rumoured improvements in the temperature will help stir things into life once again. To give nesting birds a helping hand, try feeding live mealworms, sunflower hearts and buggy nibbles which you can get from our online shop.
Many tawny owls have been busy breeding over the last few months and it is the time when 'owlets' start to venture out into the big wide world. If you find a fluffy grey owl on the floor or in a low branch, do not be tempted to pick it up or move it, they are best left alone. Their parents are probably watching over them and these little critters are not as helpless as they look. In fact they have the amazing ability to clamber up trees using their razor sharp claws. If you are very lucky you may see the youngsters 'branching' where the young line up along a branch nearby to their nest, an amazing sight and sure to result in a few 'ah bless' comments!
Whilst on the subject of young birds, now that the weather is brighter many people may be tempted to get the garden tools out. Please please please take care with routine garden chores as most hedge and tree nesting birds are right in the middle of their breeding season. Ideally we recommend that hedge trimming is not carried out between March and August. So sit back, enjoy the sun and watch the garden spring into life!
To end this entry, a plea to all cat owners, as there are lots of vulnerable fledglings around at this time, please be extra vigilant as many young birds will fall prey to cats. If you know you have nesting birds nearby, please keep the cats in if possible, if the cats don't take to kindly to this then distract them with toys or catmint. The birds will be very grateful for this i am sure!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.