Posted 27th June 2025

The Millennium Country Park in Marston Moretaine is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, and each month brings new surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys a peaceful walk in nature, there’s always something exciting to spot.

As June unfolded, long summer evenings and the height of the breeding season meant the Park was alive with activity. In total, 72 bird species were recorded – each one contributing to the richness and diversity of wildlife at the Millennium Country Park.

 View full June bird list here

Waterbirds and wetland wonders

Our lakes and reedbeds were full of life in June. The striking Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) – with its oversized bill – busily sifted insects, plant seeds and other plant matter from the surface of our lakes. Our reedbeds continued to host one of our most secretive residents: the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Seen gliding proudly over the reedbeds, the presence of more than one Bittern is a reminder that the Wetlands Nature Reserve’s success story continues.

Overhead, the Common Tern (Sterna Hirundo) added a splash of drama – occasionally you may be able to see this graceful bird hovering, before plunging into the water to grab fish for its chicks.

Birds of prey, day and night

June brought some real excitement in the skies. Alongside our regular Buzzards (Buteo buteo), Red Kites (Milvus milvus), and Sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), sharp-eyed visitors spotted a Hobby (Falco subbuteo), the scythe-winged falcon that specialises in catching dragonflies mid-air. Even more exciting, a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) made an appearance – the fastest bird on Earth, capable of stooping at over 200 mph.

Closer to dusk, owls took centre stage. A ghostly Barn Owl (Tyto alba) was heard quartering the meadows, while the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) kept to the woodlands, hooting after dark.

Meadow residents

The grasslands hummed with life as Lapwings (Vanellus Vanellus), and Redshanks (Tringa tetanus) made their presence known. Although small, the Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), a welcomed summer visitor, caused delight among bird watchers – its distinctive yellow eye-ring standing out on the shallow edge of our lakes and small islands.

And perhaps the most nostalgic sound of summer – the soft, purring call of a Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) – was recorded. This species has declined dramatically across the UK, so hearing it at the Park for yet another year was a real treat.

Woodland and garden favourites

Our woodlands and hedgerows were alive with birdsong. Tiny Goldcrests (Regulus regulus) – Britain’s smallest bird – flitted through the branches, while colourful Green (Picus viridis) and Great Spotted Woodpeckers (Dendrocopos major) added both drumming and ‘laughing’ calls to the soundscape.

The tit family was well represented with Blue (Cyanistes caeruleus), Great (Parus major), and Long-tailed Tits (Aegithalos caudatus), often spotted in busy feeding parties. In the undergrowth, the secretive Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti) announced itself with an explosive song, in stark contrast to the gentle fluting of the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) and Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin).

Summer migrants

June was a showcase for our summer migrants. Swallows (Hirundo rustica), House Martins (Delichon urbicum), and Sand Martins (Riparia riparia) swooped gracefully over the water, catching insects on the wing. Swifts (Apus apus) screamed overhead in high-speed chases, a sound many associate with the height of summer.

Warblers continued to fill the reeds and scrub: Reed (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Sedge (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), Willow (Phylloscopus trochilus), Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), Whitethroat (Curruca communis), and Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca) all contributed to the dawn chorus. The ever-elusive Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) was also recorded – its call a welcome but increasingly rare characteristic of the season.

A Month to Remember

With 72 species recorded, June was truly a month of abundance. From the silent shadow of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) to the high-speed stoop of the Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), the Millennium Country Park once again proved itself a sanctuary for birds and a joy for those who take the time to look and listen.

We can’t wait to see what July will bring!

 View full June bird list here

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