Despite the unsettled weather we have managed an exceptional year so far with a record 75 species recorded on and over the Whins this year. This is 4 more than the previous best year in 2004.
Even more encouraging is that no less than four new species have been added to the site list.
Namely, Cormorant, Sand Martin, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Black Kite (record pending - see below) . This brings the site list to 86 species since 1997.
22 species bred on the site this year, one down on the record year of 2004. Encouragingly, Willow Warbler was proven breeding following no records in 2004. This summer visitor is rapidly declining in the UK probably as a result of degradation of the wintering habitat in Africa.
On the adjacent Far Bank, Jays, Stock Doves and Swallows were proven breeding for the first time and all utilised the Whins as a feeding area.
