Yesterday was the monthly walk at Paxton Pits and, unsurprisingly, only a small group ventured round the reserve. We did manage to record 37 bird species including Garden warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Terns hopefully nesting on the rafts, adult Cormorant ?teaching young about fishing and Great Crested Grebe pair. Back in the garden in the afternoon, many insects were sheltering on leaves and flowers while the spiders continued to monitor their webs.
In addition to the lakes at Summer Leys, the Feeding station with viewing hide is always an attraction and, apart from the lack of Bullfinches, it was as good as ever with lots of activity and species. Sad to see the Chaffinch with the Fringilla papillomavirus affecting its feet (this may be the cause, with avian flu, for the decline in Bullfinch numbers). Otherwise a delightful hour or so was spent watching and photographing their antics, especially the delightful but very aggressive Siskins. There was a Chiffchaff singing loudly and flitting in the trees and a Sparrowhawk whizzed through at water level (no photo!!!) and we think removed one feeding bird.
For about 15 minutes I was entertained by a very large flock of mixed small birds - warblers, Chiffchaff and Black Cap, Blue Tits and Goldfinches feeding on the abundant midges (!) and seeds respectively. Such a pleasure to see large numbers of small birds after a difficult summer for them with the hot dry weather.
