May

By the beginning of the month the vast majority of summer visitors will have been recorded, with many already into breeding activity. However the arrival of birds continues through the first two weeks of the month and will include two species that have become increasingly scarce in recent years.

Turtle Doves are now down to the last few pairs in the county, with only the areas around Tempsford, Dunton, Stewartby and Knotting Green now consistently turning up birds each year.

Spotted Flycatcher is commoner but recent years’ reports have shown that there may be fewer than 20 pairs in the county, with birds now missing from traditional reliable sites, such as churchyards and neighbouring large gardens. For both species, all records are welcomed.

In recent years, House Martins have also been late in returning, with some colonies not active until late May. This species and another aerial feeder, the Swift, also seems to be declining in the county, with various theories on availability of food or nesting sites highlighted as the cause.

At selected sites in the county, where muddy edges appear, a passage of waders is expected through May. Species likely to be found, but usually in small numbers, include normally coastal birds such as Whimbrel, both godwits, Grey Plover, Turnstone and Sanderling and freshwater birds such as Wood Sandpiper, which are found somewhere every year.

Temminck’s Stint has been found in most recent years including a stunning record of five together at Castle Mill Pit / Meadow Lane in 2009.

In drier habitat, especially favouring pea fields, a trip of Dotterel would represent a great find. These have recently been very scarce, with the last spring records in 1993 (until a trip in April 2017). Prior to this they were almost annual occurrences, though they still occur more regularly just to the east of the county in Herts and Cambs.

A selection of migrant raptors is available in May, but many records are of birds moving through and seen by very few observers. Key species that may occur are Honey Buzzard and Montagu‘s Harrier. With recent changes in population and climate, Black Kite is also a possibility. Large raptors can be difficult to identify unless good views are obtained, so a few will always have to go without positive identification and all three of these species can be difficult. Slightly easier to identify is Red-footed Falcon. After the first in the county in 1992, there was one in 2006, four in 2008 and one in 2013 and we may expect to see more. Anywhere that attracts Hobby would be a good place to look.

Other species from warmer climates are more likely to appear in May than almost any other month.

Hoopoe is an annual visitor now, and recent May records include Roseate Tern in 2012 and 2008, Red-necked Phalarope in 2011 and 2015, Purple Heron in 2011, Black-winged Stilt, most recently the pair in 2008, Caspian Tern in 2007, Montagu‘s Harrier in 2011 and two in 2020, Golden Oriole in 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021 and 2023, Great Reed Warbler in 2005, Savi’s Warbler in 2021 and a Common Rosefinch on a garden feeder in 2018.

Most likely to be welcomed by the later generation of birders are some species that have not occurred so recently: Bee-eater (1991); Bluethroat (1987); Collared Pratincole (1983) or maybe Woodchat Shrike (1972).