Millichen Magic

Millichen can appear to be devoid of birds in summer compared to the 1000s of birds that can appear in late autumn and winter. But now is the time to discover what summer migrants have arrived and whether any of the 'typical farmland' birds have settled down to breed.

Well for a start Swifts, Swallows and House Martins were putting on a wonderful aerial display but sadly there was no sign of any warblers. However, Starlings have clearly done well. I saw c180 birds in total, most of which were juveniles - c70 birds are in photo below...

 

There were also a few House Sparrows (only 10), 5 Yellowhammers and 5 Tree Sparrows - see photo below. One bird was actively feeding young in one of the many nest boxes that were erected c10 years ago.............

Other bird species included 1 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, Dunnock.....

and Goldfinch.........................................................................................

There were also 3 Roe Deer, a few Small Tortoiseshell and numerous 'white' butterflies plus a Silver-ground Carpet moth!

BUT the highlight was undoubtedly a Barn Owl, a year tick!