A walk round the Valley

Monday July 25th                                                                                                             

 Weather was pretty good so decided to visit the Valley, we are now getting towards migrant time, first port of call was the viewing area. With the recent heavy rain that we had, unfortunately the river has again burst its banks and flooded the whole area, a pity as it was looking good for returning birds. Hopefully with warmer weather it will dry up enough to attract migrant waders.

Lapwing in the now flooded viewing area

Green Sandpiper and Lapwing

Despite the higher water levels it still held 5 Teal, 30 odd Lapwing and a Green Sandpiper.      Moving on towards Berwick Ponds and I added a possible Brown Argus, though more and likely a female Common Blue, Chiffchaffs were calling everywhere and every bush seemed to hold juvenile Common Whitethroats.

Female Common Darter

Little Egrets on the Reservoir

Possible Brown Argus?

3 Little Egrets were on the Reservoir along with 3 Yellow Wagtails.

Young Common Lizard?

Hobby coming in at speed

The highlight came on the return stretch when watching the House Martins over St.Georges, all of a sudden they bunched and started to climb like crazy, suspecting a Hobby proved correct as it came in at speed from the north. Glad to say that it failed and gave up, but certainly a spectacular sight.