Busy Locals & Brief Visitors

Cuckoo.

It’s been a busy few weeks for the wildlife in and around Gatestreet Barn. The Bank Holiday weekend brought warm temperatures and blue skies, and most of the local birds were occupied building and tending to nests. Around Gatestreet Barn noisy House Sparrows are actively constructing nests, and the more delicate Goldfinches are also preparing to raise young.

The Wintershall Cuckoo has returned for yet another summer. He was much later this year than normal, thanks to the poor weather throughout most of April, but is singing most mornings and indeed a female was heard recently. Cuckoos famously lay their eggs in the nests of smaller species, who then take on the role of raising the single Cuckoo chick. It’s likely one of the numerous Dunnocks that live around here are the victims.

Wheatear pair.

Swallows and their relatives the House Martins are now firmly back in our skies, and even a few Swifts have been seen. The Hobby, another summer migrant, is a close relative of the Kestrel and can be seen on fine days over Gate Street Barn. Many different warblers can be heard form hedges and thickets too – Whitethroats and Garden Warblers have now arrived, joining the Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs of early April.

It’s not just summer breeders that have been seen recently though. No less than 3 Whimbrels have been recorded migrating over the area. This wading bird breeds in Scotland and Iceland, and on clear days will cut overland on it’s long journey north from African wintering grounds. The charming Wheatear also passed through at the end of April, with up to 8 birds seen during the last weekend of April. The uplands of Britain could well be their summer destination.

On the mammal front there have been a couple of Stoat sightings too, including this curious individual a couple of weeks ago. They are busy hunting at this time of year, and with luck can be encountered anywhere in the area early in the mornings.

Stoat.

The nice weather of late has also seen butterflies on the wing, with Small Coppers, Holly Blues and Orange-tips doubtless some of the more eye-catching British species. As the summer moves in more species will be seen on the wing, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled around and flowering plants.

It won't be long until high summer is here. Birdsong will slow down, but feeding hungry youngsters will increase. Spring has been slow coming this year, so it's worth enjoying it while it's here!