Gronant Little Terns

On my way back from Anglesey recently I stopped off at Gronant along the North Wales coast. The area is well known for its nesting Little Tern colony, and is one of the most important sites in the UK, holding over 10% of the UK breeding population. It is also the only breeding colony in Wales.
They migrate here from West Africa and make their nests on the beach. Special wardens keep a watch over the nest area 24 hours a day to deter would be predators.
For the smallest of our Terns they do make a lot of noise. If you can't see them overhead you'll certainly hear them.

Really beautiful little bird.

Black tailed Godwits

At the end of April, I made a visit to Burton Mere on the Wirral. There were a few different waders about, but probably the most striking and colourful were the Black-tailed Godwits. Many were in their summer breeding plumage, or close to it, and when they were huddled together they looked superb.

As good as they look individually, they certainly look better in a group.

Stonechat

The Stonechat is a stunning little bird. Especially at this time of year when the male is in his full summer breeding outfit. The black head is much darker at this time and the orange breast nice and bright. The female is not so colourful, but still a lovely bird to watch.
I watched a really lovely pair at Beeston a few weeks ago, but didn't have my camera with me, and I was a bit gutted because the male gave some really good views in the sun. Then just a week later I came across another pair at RSPB South Stack on Anglesey. The light  was even better and they came really quite close to me.

A stunning male, in typical pose.

The female, also keeping a lookout.

With a big juicy spider.

Spotted Flycatcher

I'd only seen one so far this year, but last weekend I came across several pairs in one day. A few visits to the Goyt Valley had come up trumps yet again. Now, I've still not seen a Pied Flycatcher this year, but the Spotted Flycatcher is now well and truly ticked off.
Not a bird that makes it too easy for you to find. More often than not I've picked them out flitting up in the canopy of the trees, as they do their fly catching.
I did however, after watching a pair flit about in a wooded area, discover a nest site. I was absolutely thrilled as I watched one carry nesting material to a nest.
Fingers crossed for them, and I hope I am able to monitor it over the coming weeks.

On the nest after dropping off some feathers and moss.