10th to 13th June

The birding continues to be productive with slack periods, and often sunshine between the predominantly cooler north-west winds. There was a raptor theme to the first few days with our second Marsh Harrier of the year, and immature male at Hooking on the 11th, there having been different sex Kestrels on 10th and 11th and a male Sparrowhawk on 10th. A smart male Ruff at Bridesness from 10th to 11th was the pick of the waders with 2 Common Terns at Gretchen that day. After a days absence, the 2 Nightjars were in Holland gardens again on 11th with the same sight also attracting a male Red-backed Shrike (remaining to 13th), male Pied Flycatcher that day. The 12th turned out to be the busiest with a Canada Goose at Hooking, a 'brown' Rosefinch at Holland gardens, Siskin there too and a Tree Sparrow at the Lighthouse. Also noteworthy were the Pink-footed Goose again, Sand Martin, 8 House Martins and 2 White Wagtails. A Mealy Redpoll has remained throughout and there have been new warblers each day with 3 or 4 Chiffchaffs daily and what looks like a good candidate for a Siberian Chiffchaff was at Holland gardens on 13th.

Siberian Chiffchaff (photo Molly Laban)

Rosefinch (photo MW)

Red-backed Shrike (photo Molly Laban)

Curlew chick (photo MW)