Early June & a northerly breeze is not ideal. Today's new migrant in the bushes is a Chiffchaff with a new Blacky presumably a failed breeder from nearby going walkabout. Assorted Gulls & Terns on the turn of the tide entertaining but nowt odd. A Wheatear is still with us & the first baby Linnet of the year was noted.
As several people have asked about Peregrines then an update is due - basically a "pair" earlier on in the season attempted breeding with the female laying 3 eggs. At some point in the proceedings a divorce took place with the adult male being replaced at some point by an immature male. The eggs failed to hatch but the new "pair" seem to have a very strong pair bond often hunting together & eating breakfast on the beach. Recent victims have included Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Redshank, Starling & a Little Grebe ! The female is colour ringed & originates in Holland (although we have been unable to read the ring details) with the new male bird also colour ringed & originating from the Orwell bridge (although we have also been unable to read the ring details to work out which individual it is). Good quality photographs of the legs of these birds might help if any of you photograpthers out there get lucky - they often frequent the near dock cranes & the pair were seen to clobber a pigeon right next to the new Visitor Centre the other day.
Ringing: single Chiffchaff, Blackbird, House Sparrow & Starling.
