Bird News: August 2022

At the beginning of the month there were reports of two Tawny Owls seen in Claverham. A juvenile Sparrowhawk was calling there with others in Littlewood and Wemberham Lane. Also in Wemberham Lane a Kingfisher was present and juvenile Reed Warblers were noisy in Stowell’s Reed bed.

A pair of Tawny Owls were also calling in Wemberham Lane. Any reports of calling Owls would be welcome. A Kingfisher was seen again on Wemberham Rhyne on two days along with yet more Moorhen chicks and late Mallard broods. Green Woodpeckers have been heard at several sites, perhaps young birds.

A Little Owl was reported from the Strawberry Line at Congresbury whilst six Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat were on the Yatton section of the line, with a Sedge Warbler nearby. By mid month most of the warblers had moved on but an impressive  flock of 200 Goldfinches was by the mosaic seat on the Strawberry Line.

A family of Little Owls, a couple of juvenile Wheatears and an Osprey were seen on Kenn Moor. The landowner thought that most species had done well this year and this aligns with high counts on the Strawberry Line. A Little Owl was also heard from Claverham towards Cadbury Hill and a pair of Tawny Owls were extremely vocal there too. Young Buzzards were evident on Congresbury Moor and Wemberham Lane.

Our member Roland reported three active Stock Dove nests in his Barn Owl boxes. Stock Doves have a protracted nesting season with several attempts just like other members of the Pigeon family. At the month end half a dozen Linnets were on Congresbury Moor, this farmland bird’s fortunes appear to be steadily improving.

On the evening of the 30th I received a phone call from a member to say that there was a group of birdwatchers in the Asda car park at Clevedon looking at a White Stork on the roof of the store. This was one of the released birds from the Rewilding project at the Cotswold Wildlife Park.

For those that are interested the Spring Bird survey report for the Littlewood Reserve can now be viewed in the Library > Books section under Bird reports. Or click here to view the report.

All the best,

Trevor

Please send sightings to birds@yacwag.org.uk