June 2026 - A summary of Records

June 2026 entered the record books with the highest ever temperatures recorded in Norfolk in the month of June, in fact, three consecutive days towards the end of the month saw each days records being broken culminating on the 26 June with a high of 100 degrees fahrenheit (37.7°C). A gradual easing of temperatures seen on 27 June with a high 87 degrees fahrenheit (31°C), and on 28 June a pleasant 80 degrees fahrenheit (26.6°C).

By the end of May 2026 our Blue Tits had fledged, however, it is sad to report that there appears to have been limited success with regards to survival. I never ascertained how large the brood was, a number did fledge but three young birds had sadly perished. The deceased birds I suspect, suffered in the high temperatures experienced at the end of May.  As we entered June parties of Blue Tits passed through the garden, these were readily identified by their pale yellow faces amd overal washed through appearance.

June 7 (Seamere Marsh)

A short work break at 1000 to Seamere Marsh was quite productive, especially for raptor species when 2 Buzzards, 1 Red Kite, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, and a hunting ♀ Marsh Harrier were all seen.  On the marsh at least 4 Reed Buntings were seen (including singing ♂) and a pair of Whitethroats seen (♂ singing and performing song-flight), also, the ♀ Whitethroat was food carrying and at least one juvenile bird present and following its mother. 

A single Common Tern overflew the marsh.

Whitethroat (juvenile). Note the dark eye which readily ages the bird.

June 13 (Bradenham)

Late morning and I decided to pick a random site to visit and chose Bradenham Lane, a lovely narrow, and quiet country lane with tall hedgerows, wide roadside margins filled with grasses and wildflowers, a large field of tall weeds including Red Fescue, a roadside pond, and a particularly nice looking Black Poplar.

The lane held Whitethroats at three localities and a singing ♂ Lesser Whitethroat, also Blackcap noted at two localities, one Chiffchaff heard.  Finches were represented by singing Linnet, Goldfinch, and finally, two singing Yellowhammers noted.

June 15 (Garden Obs.)

Successful fledging by Robins seen in the garden with 5 birds present (pair and 3+ juveniles), and overhead, at least one Mediterranean Gull passed over.

June 21 (Thompson) 

A pleasant late evening walk around Thompson produced a singing Quail, one Hobby, 3 Curlews, Woodlark, and a single Barn Owl, also, there was bucket loads of Cockchafers.

June 22 (Garden)

A juvenile Sparrowhawk was on the lawn having caught a male House Sparrow which it plucked and ate.  A small Sparrowhawk with coarse barring on the underparts

Sparrowhawk (juvenile) 22 June

Sparrowhawk (juvenile) 22 June

26 June (Hardingham)

Two Ravens were seen early evening departing roadside trees on Low Street.

28 June (Little Cressingham)

A walk along the Watton Brook valley was very productive beginning on the Great Cressingham Road where Whitethroats (adults and juveniles) were present in dense and lush cover alongside the river. At least two juveniles seen in a bramble patch, one of which gave an occasional "chit" call, this was repeated now and then with a "chit cht cht".

Continuing alongside the river an excellent record of an overflying and calling Wood Sandpiper, a very scarce passage migrant to the area.

Also in the valley, a further record of Whitethroats in lush habitat, both parents were present along with juveniles giving their "chit" from within cover.

At least 20 Skylarks were both seen and heard, also two Woodlarks were seen in flight.  A family party of 6 Pied Wagtails seen, this included 4 juvenile birds.  On wire fencing in the valley two Reed Buntings were seen as were 3 Stonechats.

At least 3 Blackcaps were present in mixed woodland along with Goldcrest.

This was also a good morning for butterlies with 20+ Meadow Browns and at least 3 Small Copper seen.