As August draws to a close, we reflect on another wonderful month of bird sightings here at the Millennium Country Park. Summer was still very much alive, but with the first hints of autumn creeping in, our bird records gave us a clear reminder of how quickly the seasons turn.

Published 12th September 2025

 View full August bird list here

Waterfowl and wetlands

Our lakes and wetlands remained lively throughout the month. Familiar residents such as Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, and Egyptian Goose were joined by scarcer visitors including Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, and Goosander. Ducks such as Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, and Tufted Duck made the most of the late-summer waters. Wading birds were also spotted, with Lapwing still present and the striking Black-tailed Godwit recorded during the month.

Egrets and herons put on a show, from our regular Grey Herons to the elegant Little Egret and the impressive Great White Egret, which continues to become a more familiar sight at the Park.

Raptors overhead

The skies didn’t disappoint either. Buzzards, Red Kites, Sparrowhawks, Kestrels, and Marsh Harriers were all seen patrolling the landscape. The speed and power of the Peregrine Falcon was an exciting highlight, while the late-summer presence of Hobbies reminded us of the season’s change - these swift hunters will soon be heading back to Africa for the winter months.

 

Summer visitors and the last of the swifts

August also gave us plenty of opportunities to enjoy our summer migrants before they begin their long journeys south. Sand Martins, Swallows, and House Martins were still busy feeding over the lakes and meadows, while the last Swifts of the season swept through the skies. In the scrub and reedbeds, warblers were still singing and feeding - Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, and Cetti’s Warbler all recorded. Each one a reminder that migration is well underway.

The gentle purring of a Turtle Dove was another special highlight for us in August. Sadly, this species is now one of the UK’s most threatened birds and hearing them locally is always a treat.

Woodlands and gardens

Our woodlands and hedgerows were full of familiar species. Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Magpies, Jays, Jackdaws, and Carrion Crows kept busy in the trees. Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Dunnocks, and Wrens continued to provide plenty of song, joined by the chatter of Starlings.

Finches and buntings brightened the month too, with Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, and Reed Bunting all recorded. The elegant Grey Wagtail and cheerful Pied Wagtail added further activity around the water’s edge.

Looking ahead

As we move into September, we know many of our summer visitors will be heading south, and the landscape will soon welcome our winter migrants once again. The turning of the seasons makes this an exciting time for birdwatching, and we can’t wait to see what autumn brings to the Park.

 View full August bird list here

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