More LTD.

 The female Long-Tailed Duck was still present today, Friday 27th June.

 It was content feeding with Tufted Duck close up against Stony Bank. It was not too concerned when a fishing boat approached and set anchor.

 It was feeding, presumably on molluscs.

 The first June record for Leicestershire and Rutland.

 Let's hybridise!

Other good news is that a Dabchick had 2 chicks riding on its back.

Long-Tailed Duck, a Thornton tick.

 Long-Tailed duck balances Tufty on its head!

Female Long-Tailed duck that seems to be going from winter to summer plumage.

 This was a Thornton tick for me and I think it may be a first for the site as there is no mention of a past record in the Avifauna.

It also appears to be a first for the month of June in Leicestershire and Rutland.

 I have been trying to keep count of the ever increasing number of Tufted Duck over the last few days, but have to admit that I missed this surprise treat.

 I presume it is either a failed breeder or never made the trip through the Baltic with the rest  of its kind. If it is the Swithland bird then where has it been?

 

 A Big Thanks to who ever found her.

Of the 89 Tufted duck I counted today there are only 5 females.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth and No to the Mow!

 After one on the Lavender at the front door, this Hummer decided to come in to the conservatory and allowed some close up views.

 This year I decided to leave some of the lawn to develop into a meadow.

 Plenty of Ox-eye daises and wild grasses.

I felt "ahead of the game" when Spring Watch announced , Say No to the Mow!

Bachelors, Damsels and new breeders!

 A pair of Red Damselflies were on the garden pond, joined later by a Broad bodied chaser.

 A bachelor group of Pochard were brief visitors.

 There is now a pair of Reed Warblers, one of which was carrying nesting material. They prefer to build their nest in phragmites reed. There is only typha and sedge at Thornton. I have no evidence that Reed Warbler has bred at Thornton.

Early June Treats.

 A smart male Bullfinch was I think feeding on the Wild Thyme buds on the terrace.

 There were plenty of Azure Damselflies on the garden pond and also a Broad bodied chaser.

 Several Whitethroat are breeding around the reservoir in the bankside vegetation. Today, 4th June a Reed Warbler was showing well near the Board Walk. Not a species we get every year at Thornton.

 A pair of Kingfishers are frequenting the top inflow pool and no doubt breeding locally.

A very black Mink was hunting near Retreat farm. It was being mobbed by a crowd of the local birds, including Crows, Magpies and Jackdaws.

Spotted Flycatcher returns.

 A Spotted Flycatcher was feeding on the Rough today and a Sedge Warbler was singing by the Board Walk.

Yesterday at dusk a Hobby was hunting insects near to the church.

May Birds of Prey!

The wonderful spring weather has meant that most birds have made it directly to their breeding sites and there have been few downed migrants. The normal summer visitors have arrived, although Grasshopper Warbler is again a notable absentee. Recent arrivals have included Hobby and Spotted Flycatcher. Two Red Kite were seen on 18th May and an Osprey was seen on the 19th. Two juvenile Tawny Owls were well spotted at Bagworth Heath on 15th May. A Little Egret has also flown east across the reservoir on two evenings. A local Sparrowhawk has given impressive displays as it has hunted over the garden and carried prey towards its probable breeding site.