Reed Warbler nest, Longham Lakes, May 2012 (Roger Peart)
Friday 25th May Cutting back some growth along his net rides this morning, Roger Peart came across this delightful Reed Warbler nest. We didn’t actually need proof of breeding for this common species, but it’s a good find anyway.
Monday 28th May
A short walk this morning confirmed the presence of Grey Wagtail on the Stour by the Weir, as well as Kingfisher along the stretch by Emily’s Wood – both obviously breeding. Inside the wood I discovered a nest-hole of a pair of Stock Doves, with both birds at the entrance – also proof of breeding. In Emily’s Wood were 2 singing male Blackcaps and 3 singing Wrens. Two separate male Pheasants called, one from the wood and one from the Marsh, the first time 2 males have been recorded here. Meanwhile, a Cettis’ Warbler sang from the Marsh.
The ringers (Roger Peart and Terry Elborn) had a Skylark over, and aside from birds had a family of Foxes with 3 cubs, plus a Common Toad. Their most interesting catch was a net full of Long-tailed Tits, fascinatingly with 5 adults and only 2 juveniles. This suggests that the 2 adults had three adult helpers, which between them could only raise 2 young – perhaps the fruits of a very poor and difficult season.