July 2010 Roundup

As expected July proved another quiet month until signs of migrant activity at the end of the month.

The month was notable for the 1st Ringlet record for the site on the evening of the 12th. Bob Watts encountered an individual just opposite the Conservation Pond. It alighted briefly giving good views before flying again and being lost to sight. There were as many as 27 in the last week as near as Brent Reservoir so it was not an unexpected species. The same observer also came across two sightings of Southern Hawker, on the evening of the 20th around the "racecourse" track behind the Cricket Pavilion and then another on the 31st late morning just north of the Conservation Area bridge. There were also a few Purple Hairstreak sightings.

Common Tern activity peaked at 10 individuals on the 15th and included 2 juveniles, seen begging for food on numerous occasions. A Kingfisher heard near Tunnel Reservoir on the morning of the 22nd was also noteworthy. A Lesser Whitehroat was also heard on the same date at the same site, and it was not clear whether this individual had summered or was passing through.

However, the two Garden Warblers observed by the Conservation Pond on the 24th and another in the Cricket Scrub on the 30th were likely to be migrants rather than breeders, with a Willow Warbler singing from the Conservation Pond on the morning of the 30th.

Four young were being reared by the Great Crested Grebes at the end of the month, the most lasting beyond the first few days in recent years. At least two juvenile Little Grebes remained at the Boating Lake and another pair of Little Grebes hung around Tunnel Reservoir, occasionally showing signs they might attempt to breed there.