Field diary

August 2005

31st July - 5th August

The heat has returned with a vengeance, and the mercury rising throughout the week towards 40°. The fields are taking a real punishment this year and there has not even been the relief from occasional thunderstorms which normally occur during the intense heat of summer.

Despite the heat, in one sense autumn is already with us. Numbers of small birds have been caught for ringing in the locality. Around 10 Sedge Warbler, along with smaller numbers of Whinchat and Northern Wheatear were trapped and ringed just outside Villanueva de la Serena one day this week.

We have seen Black Stork in family groups. They too are preparing for the start of migration.

6th August - 12th August

Over the weekend the temperature topped 42° - phew!!

We have a sad observation to report, as every year around this time. We have seen several young Little Owl as casualties by the road-side. Little Owl and Red-necked Nightjar have a predilection for hunting on roadsides, and this takes a heavy toll on young birds who have not yet learned what a threat vehicles can be.

Bee eaters are much in evidence at the moment, but more often heard than seen. Groups regularly pass over the village, and we are unsure whether these are groups simply moving around their home territories feeding or actually moving southwards on migration.