WWT Slimbridge and local sightings 4-8 June 2007

Juvenile Great Crested Grebe

Immature male Southern Hawker 8 June 2007 at home

8 June 2007 Two garden ticks for me today, singing Lesser Whitethroat and my first dragonfly species at my new home, a Southern Hawker! Must mow the lawn more often.

Common Darter in the Bull Ground WWT Slimbridge 4 June 2007

Large Skipper in the 100 Acre 4 June 2007

7 June 2007 A survey of the Top and Bottom New Piece revealed Lapwing chicks in the latter site with two incubating females, at least 8 pairs are still engaged in breeding activity. Four Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 45 post-breeding Lapwing, 15 Teal, 60 Gadwall and 2 male Shoveler were also notable. Two Lesser Whitehroat were in song, one at the South Finger the other in the 5 Acre, are they new birds?

6 June 2007 Most of the day lost due to a migraine but I did get out for a walk thorough survey of Saul Warth aka Frampton Marshes/the Severn Lands. Rather dissapointing to see that things have not reached there potential here. A 2 week old Lapwing chick was being defended but the rest of the birds here appear to be in post-breeding mode. The Redshank also have suffered a setback and none appeared to have young. A pair of Shoveler, 12 Teal, male Garganey, male Little-ringed Plover and a pair of Yellow Wagtail completed the birds. At least 4 Emperor, a Banded Demoiselle and 3 Black-tailed Skimmer were also seen.

5 June 2007 Nothing extra of note.

4 June 2007 An emergence of Common Darter 25+ in the Bull Ground was impressive and a few Azure Damselflies were noted in the 100 Acre. The Black-headed Gull colony in the 100 Acre had grown to 15 pairs with most now having hatched chicks. At leas two pairs of Common Tern are also nesting. The South Lake has 5 pairs of B.H.Gull and a pair of Common Tern. We have a second Oystercatcher nest in the grounds.