May 2024 was quite a month. A prolonged spell of easterlies brought in a flood of scarce migrants up and down the coast with most fenceposts adorned with a red-backed shrike or two and the bushes stuffed full of warblers.... well almost.
The month started well enough with along with the expected migrants a drake garganey floated around the Notsogreatpool and a cracking hooded crow did adorn a fencepost; only the third for the patch and easily the best one so far. A wood warbler skulking around the Moat on the 4th May was only the 2nd for the patch.
More patch fillers during the month were supported by some fine patch birds including a green sand and osprey; also both seconds for the patch and a greenfinch was only the third ever for the patch. The stunning male red-backed shrike was expected this spring and the third year running one has graced the patch.
A total of 20 species in May was the highest May total since records began and put me on a 102 species for the year and 83.38%. Also the highest ever for this time of year.
Happy Days
