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.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
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.
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.
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