The natural rhythms of migration dictate local bird numbers: Reed Warblers have gotten rather thin on the ground, only a handful of Pied
Flycatchers are left, while Purple and Squacco Herons are altogether gone. On the other hand, Willow Warblers and Robins are present
in force. Like every year around this time, the number of Mallards increased ten-fold in a matter of days. Teal are also more numerous,
but only marginally so. A Goshawk is hunting them ruthlessly: they fly off in a panic at its arrival, and it repeats the operation as many
times as necessary to finally catch one. Everything then goes quiet – until the next day, that is.
It is interesting to note how the Mallards are far less intimidated by this fierce predator. In all likelihood, they know they are too big and
heavy for a male Goshawk.
Common Snipe numbers appear to swing wildly: some days they seem everywhere, and other days they are all but invisible. Perhaps
they are only well-concealed in the tall grass.