June is the beginning of the meteorological summer and it is only three weeks to the longest day. May saw ups and downs with respect to nesting and fledging. The nest-cam nest failed possibly due to only one parent - I assume the second went the way of the Sparrowhawk. Though a number of tit families have fledged and there is noise in other boxes. Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrush all have families out. The Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts are busy.
The Ravens have fledged three young and they are spending their time flitting between their birth tree and spruces on the top of the hill. Tawny Owls have young out and from their squeaks it sound like three young. This is good for the owls but not for the swallows who had taken up residence in the workshop as one of the adult owls has decided it is a good place to roost away from the constant harassment of the Blackbirds. This has caused the Swallows to desert the workshop, although they do keep returning only to leave again.  Similarly only one pair of House Martins returned but they are also coming and going with no sign of nest building - possibly due to the presence of House Sparrows in two of the old nests.
The highlight of the month was a singing Nightjar. He was heard for three nights over one week but was not heard again. This happened two years ago but not last year ( possibly the wet weather was a reason). I do not know if he is just passing through or extends his area out of the forest.
Not only are the migrant birds here but so are some migrant insects and we have had Painted Lady and Large White butterflies and Hummingbird hawkmoth and Silver Y  moth in the garden. ( photo by Richard )