June 2010 Roundup

After an exceptional couple of months June rapidly wound down to the mid summer doldrums. Observer coverage dropped too, with some leaving the country altogether for summer holidays (including this blog author!)

Both male Sedge Warblers remained on territory singing away until the 4th, near the Balancing Pond at the southern end of Wood Green Reservoir, and in the cow parsely behind the car park backing onto the Cricket Pavilion. Sadly both had disappeared by the following day when the BBC's big Bioblitz event took place. However, several pairs of eyes were rewarded by a Common Buzzard spotted by Gerry Rawcliffe heading west at 1415. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day brightened by the limited edition kelly green APOG t-shirts sported by members of the group at thie stand. Other wildlife on show from the palace included a male Stage Beetle and several Poplar Hawk Moths.

The start of the month had also provided two Sand Martin sightings on the evevings of 1st and 3rd, including one very strange individual with extended pendant tail streamers! Otherwise the only additional report of interest was two Jackdaws south on the morning of the 3rd.

There were no further reports of much interest until the first returning adult Black-headed Gulls on the morning of the 26th. A Small Tortoiseshell also graced the perimeter of the cricket pitch. The occasional Common Tern was noted visiting Wood Green Reservoir during the month.

Of note breeding wise was a successful pair of Little Grebes up at the Boating Lake, who had four young. The Great Crested Grebes were sitting on the nest at Tunnel Reservoir but hatching had not yet taken place. Despite much activity and mating in and around the owl box where the willows have been cleared adjacent to Wood Green Reservoir, the Kestrel paid di not actually appear to hatch any young. A Willow Warbler sighting around the Cricket Scrub was intriguing and may indicate a nesting attempt.