Hugh’s News – 24 August 2020

This last week has seen high tides, allowing some spectacular close views of waders at Hoylake as they were pushed in by the incoming water.  Bill captured a beautiful mix of Ringed Plover and Dunlin, some of the latter still sporting their breeding plumage black bellies; and Sandwich Terns with a well-named Little Tern. Oystercatchers settled on the tideline, marching along as the water pushed them further in.  I snapped a Lesser Black-backed Gull loafing on the water.

Bill found a very obliging, juvenile Cuckoo at Leasowe where it has been feeding well, before starting its long migration.  Just how do these young, inexperienced birds navigate their way alone to sub-Saharan Africa and then back again next Spring, without the help of their parents to guide them? Incredible!

Brian visited Staveley nature reserve near Knaresborough in Yorkshire and was lucky to see 3 Otters fishing in one of the lakes.  You can hopefully make out two of them in his photo – the head of one on the right, and the rump of another on the left. I have not heard of this reserve before but it looks like it is well worth a visit if you are passing the area.

The photo of a nesting Collared Dove was taken at Barry’s daughter’s house. Collared Doves normally have three or even up to six broods per year.  The breeding period is typically March to September, but if enough food is available (which is largely seed and grain) then breeding will also take place in the winter months.  No wonder they have become so common!  The lovely portrait of a male Blackbird feeding a youngster was taken in his own garden.  Slightly more exotic, Barry came across a lady taking her Macaw for a walk in Didcot (as you do)!  Barry asked her what it is called.  “Caw Caw” she replied and the bird said “me Caw Caw”!

Hugh Stewart