16th July 2018: Mandarin & July update

John: So we're gradually inching through the summer doldrums and some early breeding or non-breeding birds are beginning to move. We've had one new bird for 2018 in the last couple of weeks with an eclipse drake Mandarin, which has been with us now since 02/07 and continues to loaf around with the local Mallards.

Gull numbers are beginning to build up. This has included the first few juvenile Black Headed Gulls. Common Gulls are scarce here during the summer months, however I've seen 1-2 loafing about in the last 2 weeks or so. Our first Yellow-Legged Gull of the summer, an adult, also appeared on 09/07.

On my Friday lunch break, I came across another slightly abnormal Common / Arctic Tern that lingered for only 15 minutes or so before heading off north. I think on this occasion, based on it's longer legged posture when at rest, together with the dark-tipped orangey bill, it is a Common Tern. However, the rather uniform colour of the wings are confusing me a bit as I would've expected the primaries to show a more darker colour.

Of course it's not all about the birds and in fact I've seen a great variety of butterflies around the reservoir. The highlight was yesterday, with the discovery of several Purple Hairstreaks in the oaks along the river. There has also been the odd Marbled White, and a small number of Essex & Small Skipper in the grassland on the south side of the wood. The first 2nd brood Common Blue & Brimstone have appeared too in the last few days.