An unseasonal white-fronted goose was present on Anderby Marsh on the 1st and a whooper Swan on 14th. Other unusual migrants here included a curlew sandpiper (7th), 1-4 spoonbill (daily from 2nd-18th), two little gull (7th), 1-3 wood sandpiper daily (seven birds noted together on 29th!) until mid-month and 5 Mediterranean gulls together on the 28th.

Despite the warm temperatures throughout June, the Anderby Marsh continues to retain substantial amounts of water. During June, there were four pairs of avocet, four pairs of lapwing and a little ringed plover nesting. The latter being the first ever breeding attempt for the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. The little ringed plover, along with avocet, receives the highest level of protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 as a Schedule One breeding species, meaning it is illegal to disturb them at, on or near a nest site.

The first avocet chicks hatched on the 21st with four chicks, followed by a second nest with three chicks on the 30th. Unfortunately, the other two avocet nests were predated, presumably by foxes. A spate of hatching also occurred amongst the lapwings and incredibly all four nests produced chicks (broods of 3, 4, 2, 4). June marks a pivotal point for Anderby Marsh with the first ever successful breeding attempt by both avocet and lapwing!

Cuckoo continues to have an excellent year with at least 10 birds seen throughout the recording area. Despite significant declines at traditional inland sites it is encouraging that the coast continues to support so many. The breeding density of reed warblers (a common host species for cuckoo) might be the contributing factor.

During a bird survey at Anderby, a marsh warbler was heard singing and showing incredibly well by the screen (9th June), halfway along the coastal path and adjacent to Anderby Marsh. As previously mentioned in 2020, this is a very rare breeding species in the UK with only 5-10 breeding pairs annually, reedbeds with scattered scrub are often favoured for nesting. This is now the third record in as many years following two in 2019. The Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park appears to be producing most of the records in Lincolnshire in recent years, it is surely only a matter of time before a breeding pair settle down here! The June bird remained onsite for the day but was not seen again subsequently.

The stonechats that bred in the area during May now appear to be re-establishing a territory and possibly attempting a second brood.

Birds of prey were well represented with red kite and hobby both seen migrating through on several dates during the month. Add to this the resident species such as sparrowhawk, kestrel, buzzard, marsh harrier, barn owl and little owl.

A quail was heard singing over two dates near Huttoft Pit. This is a highly secretive species that is rarely seen. As such, it is often very much under-recorded throughout its breeding range. They tend to favour barley fields in this area so it can depend on what crops are sown. Birds tend to call more fluently early morning and late evening as well as overnight.

Seawatching was generally quiet during June which is typical for the time of year with most birds being back at breeding sites. However, strong winds on the 4th produced 100 auks (guillemots/razorbills - difficult to tell apart at range), 50 gannet, 24 kittiwake and a fulmar. These are presumably birds from East Yorkshire breeding colonies that are on extended feeding flights. An adult little gull flew south on 23rd.

Non-avian highlights

Similarly to May the usual dragonfly species were again present. One of the highlights of the month was a stunning red-veined darter at Anderby Creek on the 9th. These are regular migrants to the east coast of the UK during spring with some occasionally staying to breed.

On the butterfly front, the painted lady invasion to the UK continued with numerous sightings throughout (double figures seen daily). Red admirals also appeared to be numerous having arrived on our shores from the near continent. As the month progressed, the first large skipper, meadow brown and ringlet were recorded on the wing.

The annual orchid count from the area produced 651 common spotted-orchid, 61 pyramidal orchid, two southern marsh orchid, a bee orchid and 17 marsh helleborine rosettes. The dry weather in June resulted in most of these species dying off sooner than is normally expected.

At least four common pipistrelle bats were recorded around Huttoft Marsh at the end of the month. Also from here, widespread evidence of water vole activity was noted.

Top five highlights - July

1. Waders - July brings the first returning waders to our shores. Many of the arctic breeding species have very short breeding seasons (often only 6-8 weeks), as such, they seem to arrive back in the UK in no time at all. Look out on Anderby Marsh for returning black-tailed godwit, dunlin, knot, bar-tailed godwit, curlew, green sandpiper and ringed plover
2. Sandwich tern - listen out for the noisy scratchy calls of sandwich terns along the beaches throughout. High tide is often a good time to look out for them as they take full advantage of the tide to feed. Numbers often peak in July and August before they depart for Africa in September.
3. Brown hare - look out for leverets (young hares) throughout. Anderby Marsh has been quite productive with near daily sightings this year.
4. Dragonflies - July is an excellent month to get to grips with the more common dragonfly species. Learn how to separate common darter from the similar ruddy darter. Divulge in the complex identification of the all so similar ‘blue’ damselfly species. Watch stunning migrant hawkers hunting for prey along the dunes.
5. Experience a sunrise - there is nothing like a dawn sunrise to make you feel as one with nature. Beat the crowds and surround yourself with mindfulness in such a tranquil setting as the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.