This is a news service only and the reports are unchecked. All records submitted via the "Submit record" page will be sent to the Bulletin Bird Notes Compiler and entered onto the DOS database even if they do not appear here. Please note that for obvious reasons we do not publish sightings of rare breeders such as Little Ringed Plover during the breeding season (unless obvious migrants)
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The month saw many of the travel restrictions lifted and the re-opening of some key sites. Access to Carsington Water was possible from the 3rd and that led to an impressive count of 100 species during the period, which included Osprey on 4/5th.
As is usual, June brought many welcome breeding records with early indications of notable success for a number of species, despite the vagaries of the weather. A number of young Shelduck were reported, Red Kites continued their colonisation and juvenile Twite and Common Crossbill were noted.
There were many records of Hobby, a Marsh Harrier appeared to roost overnight at Carr Vale and that site also recorded a record number of Black-tailed Godwit when 31 flew SE on 27th. Other reports included a Bittern at Willington GP where there were also up to three Garganey, two sightings of Great White Egret, an Avocet at Carsington Water, a Roseate Tern at Mapperley Res and Quail heard at several locations.
In mid-month, a summer plumaged Rose-coloured Starling spent three days at Lees and attracted a good number of admirers. The biggest surprise, however, came at the month end when the itinerant Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) was first sighted in our county. It had been seen in Belgium during the previous week and was thought to originate from a reintroduction scheme in the Alps. It was to stay well into July.
Bryan Barnacle and Kate Barnacle