August 2002 Ogston Bird News – 94 Species – 31 Days Covered.

Augusts’ weather continued unsettled with heavy downpours for the first week, interspersed with hot, muggy conditions. Winds were from a northerly direction and this was a theme that was to be maintained throughout the month. The second week started similarly but gradually improved becoming dry, warm and sunny, with light winds. The following two weeks continued in the same manner with a mainly northerly airflow. Summer had finally arrived.

The rapid increase of water level now up to 50% full, produced several sightings of Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe increased to a maximum of fourteen on 28th. Cormorants also enjoyed the conditions with numbers reaching forty plus. Grey Heron were regular as usual and Canada Geese counts reached two hundred and forty-nine.

Wildfowl in general benefited from the excellent feeding conditions, notably Wigeon up to ten on 28th, Gadwall on nine dates, Teal maximum of twenty-nine on 18th, Mallard reaching two hundred and seventy-four on 28th and Shoveler with a maximum of four on 24th. Pochard started arriving by 17th and Tufted Duck reached fifty-three on 30th probably a site record. Ruddy Duck arrived on 18th and up to three were seen to the end of the month. Finally, two male Common Scoter discovered on the afternoon of 11th was a good record.

Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were present most days and single Common Buzzard sightings were regular throughout the month. Osprey was seen on both 1st & 31st, catching fish on each occasion. A single Peregrine was observed on four dates and a Hobby became regular towards the end of the month being noted on 5th, 24th, 27th.28th and 31st, taking advantage of the increase in hirundine numbers.

One of the highlights of the month was a Water Rail, which was heard from the Alders Wood Hide on 26th. The same day produced two Crossbill fly-overs by the fishermen’s car park. Waders struggled with the conditions finding little mud, thus limiting sightings. However nine species were recorded including Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Snipe, Whimbrel, Curlew, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper. The last Common Tern was seen on 15th and an unusual sighting on 31st was a Ring-necked Parakeet near Milltown Inlet.

Little Owl was noted more towards the end of the month and Tawny Owl was heard from Carr Wood. Kingfisher was recorded regularly and gave good views to several observers. Green Woodpecker has been heard throughout and continues to be recorded regularly. It would appear to have been a good year for Spotted Flycatcher with several family parties observed with a maximum of nine on 22nd.

Linnets and Goldfinches have started to flock and good numbers should be expected again this winter. The bird feeders continue to attract all the usual species including Willow Tit and Coal Tit. Yellowhammer have been recorded on South Hill and Millers Lane with mostly single sightings of Reed Bunting from the hide footpath.

Richard Wesley