Belne Brook Dippers 2022

 After a few visits I was lucky to time it right and see 2 Dipper fledglings.

Kingfisher update July 2022

 The River Rea Kingfisher nest with the new Kingfisher pair had human disturbance. Due to the hot weather people had been in the Rea building weirs. People then sat and paddled at the weir and they were noisy. Perhaps the removal of the fallen willow tree in the Rea did not help. I guess also this was not a proven nest site. It was perhaps successful last year due to lower temperatures and the fallen willow hiding the nest. The first pair this year would have been successful if the second pair had not turned up.

Late June I saw and heard an adult Kingfisher in the unsuccessful nest valley, I assume it was still checking out the area. Start of July I then think I saw it along the Bourn Brook (DH). Back at a usual location (HF).

Start of July I heard tutting along the Bourn Brook (HL). Then a couple days later I saw it before the bridge (HL). Heard it by the last boulder.

Same along the River Rea, early one morning (PMF), I heard a tutting and then next thing a Kingfisher flew flew past. I saw it again later afternoon (PMF).

I checked the River Cole and there were 2 Kingfisher territories, same old places, SB & PL. There was a failed nest last year at DWW (predated) I did not see any Kingfishers there this year.

An early morning check where the River Rear meets the River Tame and there was a Kingfisher sat on Motorway column support in the river. It then flew all the way back along the Tame and up to the bank. I then knew there was a nest. I returned early a few days later and was lucky to hear tutting and see a fledgling Kingfisher.

July 5th along the River Rea (LV) I heard tutting and again lucky timing there were 2 fledglings. I returned early morning and they were both sat in a very overgrown, hidden valley. They were diving to wash themselves. The parents bought in fish and then the fledglings flew after them.

That made it my 4th nest fledglings for the year.