15 LRP were on the north shore, also 8 Common Sandpiper were present. 5 Little Egret were at the west end. A Common Gull was off the Chappell hide this afternoon. A Red Kite flew over this morning. A Willow Warbler was by the Chappell hide, which is the first I've seen since April. At least 300 Sand Martin were present.
I managed to rescue a GC Grebe chick from being eaten by a Grey Heron this afternoon. The other 2 chicks have been predated since the weekend. The predation levels have been very high this summer with very little being successful. Gadwall,Mallard, Pochard and Tufted Duck broods have mainly been wiped out by a combination of Crows,Herons, LBB Gulls and Fox all observed taking young and eggs. LRP's have had 8 unsuccessful attempts this year. A nest with 4 eggs was only recently robbed by Crows at the weekend. Belvide can be a brutal place at times.
Nice one Steve! You must have been well and truly in the right place at the right time. 👍 have there been any successful LRP breeding attempts that you know of?
ReplyDeleteHi Bob. Out of the 8 attempts, only one pair hatched young. Unfortunately there was heavy rain and cold temperatures the following day and they were never seen again.
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