Seven members joined me for a summer ornithology walk at the Western Yar and Rofford Marsh. Our principal aim was to observe and listen for our summer migrant birds, and the morning proved both productive and thoroughly enjoyable.
Among the species observed were Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Blackbird (Turdus merula), Dunnock (Prunella modularis), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Jay (Garrulus glandarius), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus), Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), Common Raven (Corvus corax), and Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), including two well-grown juveniles.
The morning’s highlight was undoubtedly watching the Avocets with their young. The juveniles are developing rapidly and now resemble miniature adults, having lost most of their juvenile down. The adults vigorously defending their offspring against the attention of the gulls, demonstrating the remarkable parental behaviour for which this species is well known.
Although many of the summer migrants remained concealed within the reedbeds, we were rewarded by hearing several species in full song, including Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) and the unmistakable Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti).
In addition to the birds, we encountered numerous butterfly species and a rich diversity of wildflowers and other plants. It was a pleasure to be part of such a knowledgeable group, whose collective botanical and entomological expertise greatly enhanced my own knowledge.
The weather was ideal for field observation: not too hot or oppressive as it has been recently, with a gentle sea breeze. Combined with excellent company and lively discussion, it made for a thoroughly rewarding morning.
My sincere thanks to Teresa and the Society for inviting me to lead the walk. It was a privilege to share such an enjoyable morning with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group.
