Report from 07 to 10 September 2022

The week began with a quick but much-appreciated sighting of two magnificent adult Black Storks.

As the migration of Bee-eaters and Garden Warblers, which has been truly exceptional this year, draws to an end, Sedge Warblers and Common Redstarts have swelled the ranks of the songbird migrants, while the explosive calls ringing out from the reedbed herald an influx of Water Rails. On the other hands, the Purple Herons and Barn Swallows that were with us all summer were nowhere to be seen. In the dark of night, I could have sworn I head a Golden Plover overhead. Or could it have been a Grey Plover?

Once again, the Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata) has appeared. This is the third September in a row that we have seen this dragonfly, and we can safely say that it has colonized La Cassinazza and is now here to stay – tangible evidence of a warming climate.

Last week’s photo was dedicated to what is arguably our most nondescript bird. This week I want to feature what is undoubtedly the most hideous, despised, non-native, invasive, and damaging member of our avifauna. Behold the Sacred Ibis, in all its glorious repugnance.