Sunday 24th May

I helped lead the Leybourne Lakes bird walk this morning between 8am and around 11.

We met by the CP car park and walked into the small wood. Here we had at least 2 Treecreeper performing well. They appeared to be feeding young as the had beakfuls of grubs. Also here a Garden Warbler sang from high up and we heard our first snatch of Nightingale song as well as the odd Whitethroat, Blackcap or two.

Nightingale

Wandering on we saw and heard more Blackcap and several Reed Warbler as well as a pair of Reed Bunting that again appeared to be feeding young. A Cuckoo called very distantly and a Swift went over. A Four spotted Chaser showed well in the grass by the scrape.

Peacock

Moving on we added more singing Reed Warbler and in the west Scrub several Willow Warbler, more snatches of Nightingale and a brief Cettis call.

At the top of the path to Brook House we had our first really good Nightingale with one in full song, then via 2 or 3 Water Vole in the ditch nearby another Nightingale singing and showing exceptionally well.

Orange Tip

I had heard that there have been good numbers of Painted Lady with thousands moving through Europe. I saw at least 3 here today and lots more elsewhere during the day. A Large White, several Peacock and a single Orange Tip were also noted.

Painted Lady

Banded demoiselle