Hugh’s News – 9 August 2022

Just to explain for the benefit of new Members, Hugh’s News is aimed at sharing information on birds especially and nature in general in our area.  It is issued on an ad hoc basis, but usually monthly.  Photo contributions are always welcome, they don’t have to be professional standard!  And you can send in articles or ideas too, to Bill or to me.  Don’t be shy!

Although we do not meet in August over the school holidays, I hope you are enjoying the glorious weather and still getting out regularly.

I saw this Black-headed Gull in Chester and took a photo from an unusual angle.  I quite like the composition.  Note the brown, not black head!  It will soon be moulting these feathers and adopting its winter plumage with a dark spot behind the eye.

Ellie sent in a couple of photos a little while ago.  First, she shot a male Blackcap, notoriously shy birds that typically sing from the depths of a bush. So, she did well to capture it.  Like most warblers, he will fly south for the winter.

She also caught this magnificent Buzzard in flight, soaring on a thermal overhead. Thinking about it, I have not seen many Buzzards over the last 2 or 3 weeks.  I am not sure why they become shy now – it may be because they are moulting their flight feathers. Don’t worry, they will soon be back on view!

Barry has had great views of Hobby at Burton Mere Wetlands.  With young birds also now on the wing, it is a good time to look for these dashing falcons at BMW, Denhall and Parkgate, as they hunt on the wing.  Sorry, they were too fast to snap!

I have noticed lots of butterflies in the sunshine, including this Speckled Wood on a path near Heswall Fields.

Many trees are dropping leaves already, unseasonably early.  I assume this is caused by drought stress rather than the normal autumnal phenomenon. Beeches at Thornton Hough were even shedding green leaves, although the nuts appeared to be still developing. Beech mast is an important winter food for several bird species, so hopefully it won’t fail badly.

See you again soon.

Hugh