Bird News: May 2025

The unseasonal warm and sunny weather continued into May. More Swallows arrived and House Martins were inspecting a previous nest site at Chestnut Park. Eight warbler species were singing around Congresbury and Yatton and indications that most species were in good numbers with the exception of Sedge Warbler. Several were singing in April but some seem to have moved on. A Willow Warbler was still on territory on the 3rd and more Herons were appearing as they completed their nesting cycle.

The early morning walk on the Yatton section of the Strawberry Line on the 5th attracted 27 members and visitors. Seven warbler species were heard. With both Whitethroat species seen – thanks to Mark Savage for leading. A Red Kite was low over Congresbury where Siskins were visiting a garden and a couple of Swifts were seen. A party of four Cattle Egrets on the 11th was unusual and somewhat unseasonal but six were recorded on the Kenn Moor survey on the 12th.

The young Rooks were calling loudly at the small rookery in Wemberham Lane, mid month and there were lots of juvenile House Sparrows. Three singing Cetti’s Warblers was a Lane record with Common and Lesser Whitethroat also singing. Silage cutting at Kenn on the 22nd attracted a couple of Buzzards and three or four Kites but the Kites saw off the Buzzards. A Kingfisher at Crossman’s Pond the next day hopefully indicates that they are nesting in the area.

The Strawberry Line survey on the 24th produced eight warbler species including a singing  Willow Warbler, probably an unmated male. It seemed that nesting was in full swing, probably assisted by the recent dry and warm weather. A couple of days later the bird song walk at Congresbury turned up 15 Cattle Egrets dutifully feeding among cattle. A Mistle Thrush on the golf course was almost as unexpected. We heard the full suite of warblers except Common Whitethroat – thanks to Mark for leading again.

Kenn Moor Reserve hosted a male Stonechat, hopefully his partner is nesting, a singing Whitethroat and Swallows and House Martins hawking insects. Plenty of Starlings were collecting food for their young. On the 30th at least a dozen Cattle Egrets were still in fields by the Strawberry Line near Congresbury with a similar number (or the same) on Congresbury Moor and there was a report of a single (unusual) on Kenn Moor. Also on Congresbury Moor Great Spotted Woodpeckers fledged young from a nest on the YACWAG Reserve.

Your sightings and pictures are always very welcome at birds@yacwag.org.uk.

Trevor Riddle