Little Owls......

29 June - An afternoon photographing Little Owls and some good views, adults apparently with 2 Owlets close to fledging. Surprisingly active given the heat. Also Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers present.

Pembrokeshire and West Wales 20-26 June

Amazing weather throughout the week on our annual motorhome trip. Superb views along the coastal paths on the St. Davids peninsula, with the dramatic coast path, views across to Ramsey Island and south to Skomer, together with stunning sunsets over the Atlantic, each one different, with even the mountain tops of Southern Ireland being visible a good 50 miles away. Bird wise, Ramsey Island gave good views of Chough with 3 pairs at least seen in typical tumbling flight in the wind, and uttering their characteristic calls. The landing boat on Skomer was cancelled due to strong northerlies but our cruise around the islands was brilliant - amazing close ups of the birds on the water, especially the Puffins! The coastal path north at Cardigan Bay produced Peregrine and another pair of Choughs, and plenty of Red Kites over the wooded hills, as well as the more usual Wheatears, Stonechats and Meadow Pipits. An enjoyable few days, but a bit too hot!

Dorset

13 June - A spur-of-the-moment trip to Dorset as another fine calm day. A quick stop at Martin Down gave good views of a bonus Turtle Dove. A walk at Coombe Heath at Arne was fairly quiet being the middle of the day, but a Dartford Warbler sang briefly and another was furtively carrying food to the nest. Meadow Pipits and Linnets were in evidence, and a Cuckoo singing. Silver-studded Blue butterflies on the wing in good numbers. The main objective was the coastal Tern colonies at Poole Harbour, and I had good views of the noisy cacophany as the adults brought food in to their young, both Sandwich and Common Terns. Waders are thin on the ground this time of year, as they are mostly breeding in northern climes, but a few Black-tailed Godwits were feeding, as well as a solitary Avocet and Redshank, plus the usual resident Oystercatchers. A stop at the Winterbourne Downs reserve on the way home was well worthwhile as a pair of Stone Curlews with 3 chicks was viewable distantly from the screen, amazing birds as always with their large eyes and cryptic but beautiful plumage.

WWT summer

9 June - A morning visit, the first for a few weeks, and the highlight was very close views of the non-breeding Black-tailed Godwit flock on South Lake, including some birds in smart summer plumage. Avocet pairs active on the lagoons and aggressively defending their nests, and a smart pair of full adult summer Med Gulls also on South Lake, with a second-summer bird on the Rushy, still sporting a few black primary tips.

Odds and Ends, North of the Border........

5-6 June - A short Munro trip, and a few birds logged - a Golden Eagle soaring briefly, to the north of the Dalmally peaks, and Wheatears and Meadow Pipits widespread here, also a Sand Martin colony on the hillside above Loch Awe. Meall Dearg at Aonach Eagach held a singing Ring Ouzel and a couple of Stonechats. Grey Wagtails logged at both areas, and a Spotted Flycatcher calling by Loch Leven. Quite a quiet time of the year, the breeding season in full swing.

Pit 74

4 June - A quick check on pit 74 from the gate gave a brief view of the long-staying Marsh Harrier, hunting over the scrape and being mobbed by a couple of Common Terns. Little Egrets flying into the colony, and a Red Kite over the Spine Road.

Local raptors

3 June - nearby silaging meant that a Red Kite and 3-4 Buzzards were circling overhead on and off during the afternoon.

On 2nd, a Green Woodpecker yaffled and perched on a fence post near the house and a dash for the camera allowed for a couple of photos before it flew off. Swallows, House Martins and Swifts all over the garden on another fine evening.