June 2002 Ogston Bird News – 85 Species – 30 Days Covered.

The first week of June began settled with winds from the southwest, but as these turned to the north the weather became more unsettled. During the second week winds returned to normal, but we continued with unsettled showery conditions. The third week was more like summer with conditions turning sunnier and warmer. The final period however was more changeable again with cooler winds from the northwest. A generally cool month for June, with very variable conditions and winds predominantly from the southwest.

Cormorants declined from mid-month and were in single figures by the end of June. Grey Heron numbers increased post breeding and reached a staggering seventy on 14th. Fifty-eight were observed on the banks of the reservoir and twelve in the Heronry. This must be a site and possibly a county record, unless someone out there knows different. One Pink-footed Goose was observed with the resident Canada’s on 1st but this was the only record. A pair of Shelduck appeared on six days but they were not seen towards the end of the month. Five Gadwall on 2nd were the first for the year and another was seen on 6th. Teal were noted in small numbers throughout the month with Mallard totals increasing to a maximum of seventy-two on 12th. Tufted Duck were also seen regularly in small numbers. The highlight of the month was a female Common Scoter, which arrived during the afternoon of 25th but unfortunately was not to be found the next day.

Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were noted most days but Common Buzzard was conspicuous by its absence and was not seen until 29th. Two more Osprey sightings this month on 5th and 19th, with the second taking a fish. A Hobby was also observed on 30th when it put in a short appearance close to the Dam Wall chasing some Swifts late evening.

Seven species of wader were noted this month with Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Curlew and Redshank. The best of these was a summer plumaged Sanderling on 2nd. We can also now report that two pairs of Little Ringed Plover have each successfully reared broods of four young. Lapwings have also done well with six broods. Both groups have shown well, mixing together on the West Bank directly in front of the members hide. Up to five Common Tern have been present all month but none have shown an inclination to nest.

Cuckoo has been heard on four occasions this month, with two on 3rd. Little Owl sightings have been rare with the only record on the 2nd, but Tawny Owl has been heard on three occasions. Kingfisher a species that has been affected badly by the works to the reservoir has again been absent, except for 14th when two were noted near the Severn Treat Treatment Plant. Green Woodpecker however have been seen and heard regularly throughout. Skylarks have been observed regularly along the West Bank giving us the hope that they may be breeding; but as yet this has not been substantiated. Spotted Flycatcher sightings have increased towards the end of the month and breeding has been confirmed at Brackenfield Church. There have also been records from Alders Wood, Tanyard Farm and Bottom Farm indicating a good year for this species.
Richard Wesley