At the time of writing we are currently 9 species down (66sp) on the exceptional total in 2005. Yet again, since regular recording began we have not had a new species recorded for either the Whins or Bridle.
Despite the actual bird species recorded the breeding season went quite well despite the poor summer weather, although there were some winners and losers.
23 species bred on the Whins, a joint record with 2004. Encouragingly, Willow Warbler bred on the Whins again along with Goldcrest and Mistle Thrush for the second year running. Other highlights included breeding Bullfinch, 2 pairs of Song Thrush and the Garden Warbler was recorded on the Bridle for the first time.
The pair of Swallows successfully raised 1 brood on Far Bank, before the summer rain took its toil. They appeared to abandon the site after the first brood. However, they or another pair took up residence at another site on Far Bank but breeding here was not proven.
