Tuesday 17th June

My apologies for the lack of posts recently but the sad truth is that there's been precious little to blog about. Spurred on by a sighting of a probable Red-necked Phalarope at Balscote Quarry last week I've been looking out for this county mega on the Meadow though sadly it's just been typical June birds.

The floods are still intact though the recent warm weather and lack of rain means that they are fighting a rearguard action against evaporation. What's more they are largely covered in a green algae/weed which makes them look rather unappealing though the birds seem to like it. In fact it's looking remarkably "birdy" at present on my evening visits with between 100 and 200 Black-headed Gulls making up the bulk of numbers, including quite a few juveniles now. There are also plenty of Mallards some with ducklings, Mute Swans (including one family of three or four cygnets), a few Gadwall and a single Teal. On the wader front there's been a slowly increasing flock of Lapwings roosting at the north end of late and we were blessed with a REDSHANK today as well. There's been a LITTLE EGRET on and off and quite a few young Grey Herons (I counted six one day) all no doubt feasting off the trapped fish. The COMMON TERNS have been paying an occasional visit as well to enjoy this fish bonanza. There are plenty of hirundines and Swifts about and a couple of weeks ago I spotted a HOBBY making an unsuccessful attempt on them over Kingston Road. As I said, all in all it's typical June birding.

juvenile Black-headed Gull