A juvenile
Common Kestrel first visited our garden on outskirts of Aberaeron almost four
weeks ago, 27 June, perching on both our silver birches and diving in an attempt
to catch shrews/voles/mice on the bank. Unsuccessful on all attempts. Later
hovered over the garden and then neighbouring field. Since then has been seen
frequently various Aberaeron locations - e.g. Sports Club area, school playing
field as well as in my garden area (most recent sighting this evening, 25 July,
in an ash tree). Must have learned how to catch its prey. (An adult Kestrel
frequented our garden mid-late June 2017, flying off with captured prey towards
town and presumably its young.)
Pair of
Mallard here since early March as usual, first nested on river bank, presumably
failed; female now sitting on 10 eggs in hawthorn hedge next to our clothes line
and all being well should hatch round 6/7 August. Nest not far from failed
Long-tailed Tit nest - heavy rain and cold in June did for the week old young
which were abandoned.
However,
Goldfinch sitting on 5 eggs in jasmine creeper, due to hatch any day.
Also family
party of Marsh Tits at feeders - they nest along the river bank, male very
vocal at times.
Ian
Harrison