This is a news service only and the reports are unchecked. All records submitted via the "Submit record" page will be sent to the Bulletin Bird Notes Compiler and entered onto the DOS database even if they do not appear here. Please note that for obvious reasons we do not publish sightings of rare breeders such as Little Ringed Plover during the breeding season (unless obvious migrants)
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May is always an exciting month for birders and with the mobility restrictions being eased early in the month, we received almost 6,000 records for the period. These included early news of breeding successes as well as the arrival of the last of the incoming migrant species.
There was a record number of Little Egret and Red Kite reported and Andy Lane's meticulous passerine counts always add much to our year on year monitoring projects. A late Fieldfare and an exceptionally late Redwing were also of particular interest.
Rarities included a surprise Eider Duck and a Red-footed Falcon, whilst it would be nice to add Purple Heron, White Stork and Hoopoe to the list if we can obtain confirmations. Sadly, in each case we have to dig beyond vague reports or a reluctance to supply the supporting notes that are requirement for correct assessment.
An excellent mix of waders included Avocets, Sanderlings and single Grey Plover, Wood Sandpiper and Turnstone, whilst an assortment of gulls was almost as wide as any winter month.
Four species of tern included a splendid White-Winged Black Tern which would undoubtedly have been "bird of the month" for those who saw it.
Nightjars seem to be in reasonable numbers, several Marsh Harriers were seen, and records of Black Redstart and Quail are always welcome. All in all, another excellent month
Bryan Barnacle and Kate Barnacle