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Saturday 08 Jul 2017, Wokingham, mostly sunny, light N-NW wind, 27C

Today's light breeze and lower temperatures were a bit of relief after a couple of very still, hot and humid days when temperatures hit 32C. This may be the UK, but there is a risk that this may turn into a 'proper' summer! 
As is normal for this time of year, birds activity is reduced as they concentrate on breeding and feeding the resultant progeny.
Locally we have a pair of Barn Owl, of which I've only managed to get the following distant photo. They have four chicks, that should be fledging soon, so maybe I'll have more luck later on.
Adult Barn Owl

As 'reverse' wader passage begins we've seen Redshank, Ringed Plover, up to 6 Little-ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper but, as yet, nothing 'exciting'.
Today saw the highest count of Little Egret of the summer with 8 gracing the ex-gravel pit shallows:
2 of 8 Little Egret and a Grey Heron - interesting how posture changed the apparent size of the (same-sized) Egrets

Green Sandpiper

Grey Heron

juvenile Grey Wagtail

Little Egret
Beyond the lake is a landfill area with Methane release valves. Not sure if this was just a heat thing or if Methane escape was a factor, but recently cut grass was picked up in a mini-whirlwind.
Landfill Methane valve

Grass cuttings pulled up by a 'whirlwind'
The reason for a bird-free 'scrape' was explained by a visiting young Red Fox!
Red Fox

1 comment:

  1. Paul, I do hope Janys still recovers well. We have a pair of barn owls with young at Ham Wall on the Somerset levels - wonderful birds!
    Also a red-footed falcon was there for several days in June, I believe they were seen over Gaucin a year or two ago?

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