Young Kestrels at their nest site. Upper Worth Valley. photo by Sean Grey©

Common Scoter at TMR 23rd July. photo: David Barker©

The transition period between spring and autumn is a short one and reverse migration was underway this month.

A big movement of Swifts passed Thornton Moor Reservoir continued apace and from this well-watched site a total of 297 Swifts went SW on the 2nd. The next day, there was a sudden, broad-fronted movement of Swifts with a minimum total of 1491 passing WSW. On the 9th, high gull arrivals from the NE, E and SE were noted, most were Black-headed, but Lesser Black-backed were on the move as well. A total of fifteen Sand Martins (first this autumn) were noted in two groups feeding high above the north flank of the water-shed on the updraft, together with a couple of House Martins. Eight Curlews passed through westwards in three groups all calling as they went, and eight Golden Plovers passed along Trough Lane on that date.
On the 10th at Cold Edge Dams Curlew numbers had increased with 29 noted in various groups flying westwards with low fast direct flights. Also at this spot, three Shovelers stopped for a while before flying off eastwards.

The night migration of a Common Scoter was evidenced by a single male, mainly sleeping on the water at Thornton Moor throughout the morning of the 23rd. During the afternoon, the Scoter left due to disturbance and a Whimbrel went through heading south, repeatedly calling, and the post-breeding congregation of Curlews had increased to 46. Towards the end of the month Dunlin and Greenshank had visited this watch-point.

John o’ Gaunts Reservoir is always worth a visit at this time of year and already, Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover and a couple of Snipe had put in an appearance. A Little Egret made a brief visit to Leeshaw (7th) and a male Montegu’s Harrier passed through Barden (9th). Very few Spotted Flycatchers were recorded within the area, but a possible breeding pair was seen regularly in St. Ives. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Stockbridge, was seen again by members (24th).

Birds of Prey numbers were reported as holding up well with Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk , Little Owl, Tawny Owl and Long-eared Owl all breeding successfully. Twelve pairs of Long-eared Owls with successful broods is a magnificent record. Towards the end of the month, members noted Peregrine and Hobby passing through the region.