Report from 22 to 23 July 2023

A series of violent storms put an end to what will probably prove to be the hottest week of the year. The only new arrivals were a dozen Garganey mixed in with the Teal. As they were all in eclipse plumage, it took a while before I noticed them.

At this time of year, several of our resident and breeding species – including such common and conspicuous ones as the Chaffinch, Startling, Barn Swallow, the invasive Ring-necked Parakeet, Jackdaw, and White Stork – have finished nesting and appear to have moved elsewhere, or at least are being seen far less frequently. I don’t know where they went, or what drives their post-breeding dispersal. Or perhaps they are still here, silent and well hidden.

The Common Tern eggs have finally hatched. After numerous ordeals and a good dose of effort, this year we only managed to save two clutches. But at least we know what to do in the future.

The adult terns defend their nests aggressively, especially now that they have chicks. The herons flying by, including the huge Grey Herons, are met with aerial strikes. As I walk along the shore of the lake, they loudly voice their disapproval.