General (County) update - 12th June 2011

• As described below, even though neighbouring counties are officially under drought conditions and we are under potential drought conditions (after the driest spring evvarrrr), I'm in a very privileged position at work, surrounded by forecasters - and am well aware at present, that like a few recent years, once again the Azores high has failed to build so far this year. This means the rain and wing bringing jetstream has once again moved south over southern UK and we are in for an extended period of unsettled weather - until that high pressure system builds over the Azores (not looking likely just yet).

• So.... the rain and wind we've had on and off for a week or so now and big-time today is bringing much relief to the local wildlife.
• Insects and more importantly, insect larvae are finally getting what they need - midges are hatching, sedgeflies and longhorn moths - caterpillars are doing well - and of course this is all good for the insectivorous birds, not to mention the worms and snails for the blackbirds, robins and thrushes (who have hardly had any molluscs or annelids to eat since March!)

• I walked round a local nature reserve at dawn yesterday and watched the newly-fledged tits make hay of all of sudden and the local sedge warblers do the same.

• I also was lucky enough to hear (and watch, AND get a photo of) a nightingale.
• 122 young black headed gulls were ringed by the local ringers on the nature reserve yesterday and this morning my walking pal and I were treated to the sight of four muntjac (and a fawn) at the same reserve on an early walk. Photo courtesy of Mr.T. (well done Pump!)