All of the summer visitors are back in territories now. The meadow itself holds approximately two pairs of Turtle Doves, two pairs of Whitethroats, three pairs of Willow Warblers, two pairs of Whitethroats, one pair of Lesser Whitethroats, two pairs of Chiffchaffs and a pair of Blackcaps. That’s just those species that have migrated to Africa and back (or just Spain in the case of the latter two). In addition there are up to twenty more resident species, that breed in most years and I haven’t included the Cuckoo that was present and which may secure a Dunnock as surrogate parent.

The early leafing of the trees, which included Ash budding in April, and Oak in full leaf by early May, makes the recognition of bird song imperative as the smaller, skulking species are so difficult to see. The species mentioned above, along with the common garden species are a good starting point for reference.

Butterflies too were present in diversity in early May and included Brimstone, Peacock, Orange-tip and Green-veined White, but the cold nights kept moth numbers down.