Birding and other distractions

Following the Webs count earlier this month we made a second boat trip to assess productivity of breeding species in the Medway. The tides have been generally favourable to ground nesting birds this month with no extreme high water to cause problems. Sandwich Terns appear to have had a productive season with many juveniles to be seen on the main island. At one point the whole colony was flushed by a Marsh Harrier which was quite a sight as approximately 400 terns milled around before resettling. The pair of Great Black-backed Gulls now have two large fledged young, the second year in succession that this scarce breeder has been successful in the Medway. Little Tern chicks were predictably hard to see on the main beach so it was difficult to be sure how many young have been raised. However, some birds were still sitting perhaps having relaid. The most bizarre sighting of the visit was a female Tufted Duck in the middle of the estuary leading her brood across the water, a risky manoeuvre...

A fairly brief visit to the site as the weather was less than ideal for butterflies. Cloudy skies with brighter periods, though a cool breeze kept the temperature down. We saw three Granville Fritillary, a similar number of Small Blue, and a single Dingy Skipper. Also present were Brimstone, Common Blue, and Large Skipper. Approximately 10 Bee Orchids were found on the scrape, while Common Spotted Orchids were present elsewhere, though Seek tried to make them into Marsh Orchids! Glanville Fritillary, a female. Second Glanville Fritillary  Third Granville Fritillary  Dingy Skipper Common Spotted Orchid 

Weather was mostly sunny for this trip though clouded over on the way back. A very successful visit in view of breeding birds found, around 250 Sandwich Terns and 30 Little Terns being the highlights. Although not seen at the time the pictures later revealed the presence of young Sandwich Terns, while Little Terns were still sitting tight. Mediterranean Gulls are less numerous in the Medway this summer with up to 100 birds in total. A pair of Great Black-backed Gull are still present, the female seemingly sitting on the nest,  with her mate nearby. Sandwich Terns  Sandwich Terns  Three Little Terns  Six Little Terns  Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls Great Black-backed Gull pair Common Tern