Inverlael continued......

30 June - Another strenuous walk, this time the Beinn Dearg group, and highlights today (in very windy showery conditions) included a flighty pair of Ring Ouzels (pic), a calling Cuckoo and more Ptarmigan heard on the slopes. A big herd of Red Deer, including a calf and a young stag, seen during the descent.

Seana Bhraigh birdlife

29 June - Mixed conditions for our (10h!) hill walk to Seana Bhraigh in Inverlael, sun in the morning and mist and some drizzle - 2 very confiding pairs of Ptarmigan (pic), a Red Grouse flushed, a Dipper and several Common Sandpipers. An enjoyable day amidst spectacular scenery. A group of Red Deer at dusk down the mountain around our accommodation.

Slimbridge - Spoonbill and Avocets......

22 June - A quick lunchtime visit to Slimbridge after work, and good views of the adult Spoonbill on South Lake, sleeping most of the time but it took it's bill out and preened briefly a couple of times allowing a few photos (1,2,7). Also present - 37 Black-tailed Godwits, 16 Redshanks, a Green Sandpiper and an Avocet. The breeding Avocets still incubating on the Rushy Pen (3-5). A noisy pair of Oystercatchers had a juvenile in tow (6) - photos JM.

Midsummer......and a virtual Phalarope!

20 June - sunset was at 2128h this evening......warm, calm and fairly humid......spring into early summer is my favourite time of year.....and, a sign of the future perhaps?......the nearest I got to seeing the Red-necked Phalarope at Slimbridge today was to watch it live on the webcam as it fed near the Avocet nests on Rushy Pen.....maybe that's why I ran late in surgery......

Nightjar and Woodcock at Snelsmore Common

19 June - A late evening detour off the M4 to the heathland at Snelsmore Common at Newbury, and good views of a male Nightjar in flight at dusk, after hearing it calling from 2150h onwards, with its strange ventriloquial churring. Another was calling distantly in reply. A Woodcock was also roding over the trees giving its squeaky call. Warm and still conditions this evening made it perfect for a visit.

Brownsea Island

15 June - A visit to Brownsea Island, principally for the Tern colony, where the Roseates seen most days this week did not put in an appearance, but I had excellent views and photo opportunities for the Sandwich (5-9) and Common Terns (4) at close quarters. Photos JM. ps don't mention Pacific Swifts!......

Garden Red Kites

9 June - Very close views of 2 Red Kites over the garden this afternoon, together with 3 Buzzards. Photo JM.