Notes from Nick Smith of the Herefordshire Ornithological Society 2009

The first summer migrants have started early this year with Swallows first seen in late March or Chiffchaffs calling in the middle of March. Plus the winter visitors were still with us in mid April (Redwings, Fieldfares)! The month has now evened out with the arrival of the mainstream summer migrants, including the Cuckoos, being nearly all in by mid April with records from across the county, so we are hoping that it will be a better summer for them this year and not so wet. We have had reports of Blue Tits already fledged from nest boxes so who knows whether this is climate change or not? The next few summer species to arrive will be the Swift and Spotted Flycatcher so watch out around the church perhaps for these species or over the gardens.

Orleton Bird Watch.
If you would like to be part of a group collecting information about Orleton’s birds please contact Christina at the Orleton Village web site or phone Barbara on 01568 780842

It would be great if you could help collect data this June. Please note down every birds’ nest you have in your garden in the first week in June and send it to the web site or phone Barbara and she will collect it. If there is anything special or different this spring please note that down as well. The information will be collated and sent to Nick Smith and put on the village web site.
With many thanks
Barbara Mark k