Birds seen at Moor Green Lakes during MAY 2008

May is a time of breeding and migrants heading north.

We have had confirmation that Grey Herons fledged two young on the Jet-ski Lake earlier in the year and that Greylag Geese bred – a crèche of four adults and eight juveniles were seen on the river on 20th. Several broods of Canada Geese have appeared. At least 12 Mandarin ducklings hatched on the 13th with another nest incubating.

A few sightings of lingering ducks include two Shelduck on 20th and three on the 28th, a male Shoveler on the 18th, two Pochard on the 24th and a Teal on the 30th.

A string of passage waders:  Turnstone on the 3rd, a site record count of eight Whimbrel on the 5th, Snipe on 14th, Greenshank on the 15th plus, Timminck’s Stint briefly on the evening of 16th, Ringed Plover on the 17th, Oystercatcher on the 17th, Dunlin on the 21st and an obliging Sanderling on the 26th. Juvenile Lapwings were seen at the end of the month.

The Black-headed Gull colony has settled down to business with an estimated 140 nests. A first summer Mediterranean Gull was present on several days between 3rd and the 8th. Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were seen flying over the site. The Common Terns are settled with at least 10 nests on Tern Island after none last year. A good year for passage Black Terns, with up to three on several days between 3rd and 16th.

The common Raptors, including a Red Kite on the 24th and up to three Hobbies present. The Barn Owls have been present in the nest box all month and a very young Little Owl was seen in a natural nest site on the 24th.

There were several sightings of Cuckoos from mid month, including a sighting of a female leaving a potential Dunnock breeding area where it could have been parasitising a nest.

The Nightingale seen last month remained in the area of Longwater Road until the 21st at least – did it find a mate I wonder? The first Whinchat of the year was seen on the 8th,

A Grasshopper Warbler was reported on the 6th. A Lesser Whitethroat has been singing regularly in the area of the main car park. Seven common species of warblers were on territories.

This Summary is also available on  www.mglg.org.uk

Report compiled by Bruce Archer

May 2007 sightings >>>