As we move into August the breeding season for birds is drawing to a close.  The Blackheaded Gulls have returned from their breeding grounds, the Peregrine has returned to Surrey Water and the autumn passage is already underway. The Swifts have already moved on.  They are the last migrants to arrive and the first to go.

There is one intriguing late breeding bird.  The Sand Martin.  Normally they breed in colonies in holes in sandbanks and by August they have fledged their young and are gathering to feed up ready for the return journey to Africa.  But a single pair has again reared a late brood in the pipe in the river bank near the Old Salt Quay.  Its a remarkable example of urban adaptation.

Sand Martin leaving nest

Sand Martin leaving nest

Just along the river, the House Martins have done well on riverside buildings and the Youth Hostel; about 20 nests in total.

House Martin collecting mud for nests

House Martin nest building

On Canada Water, the Great Crested Grebe has had a difficult year.  The first brood were all lost, and of the second clutch of 5 eggs only one young has survived.  Early in the year there may have been a shortage of suitable food, and later, territorial fights with the Mute Swans may have taken its toll. On average Grebes raise between 1 and 2 young per clutch so its not very abnormal and the juvenile is looking very healthy.

Grebe feeding single chick

Juvenile grebe

But no problems on Canada Water for the Reed Warbler.  One pair has raised four young at the shopping centre end.  The loud singing early in the year has given way to more subtle contact calls.  The birds are surprisingly tolerant of people and will come close to the edge of the reeds and hunt for insects in the bushes.  They will be heading off to Africa at the end of September.  Its a real privilege to have these migrant warblers traveling huge distances to breed in the heart of the Peninsula

Reed Warbler eyeing up a meal

And successfully picking up a tasty treat

Another successful and late breeding bird is the Tufted Duck.  Its a diving duck and a true wild resident.  It breeds in reedy fringes or islands.  They have been successful in Surrey Dock, Globe Pond and Southwark Park.  The ducklings can dive and collect their own food when they are very young, so the female parent just has to keep them safe from predators.  The male has nothing to do with rearing the young and loafs around moulting; what a contrast to the grebes who share parenting responsibilities very festidiously.

Female Tufted Duck with young on Globe Pond