The much smaller Little Tern colony at Gronant, the only one in Wales, is also on course for a record year. We have already beaten the record for number of pairs, with 93 compared with 1999's total of 86. It would certainly be nice if we could beat the 1996 total of 120 chicks fledged but to be honest I would regard anything over 90 as a bumper year. The average for the last ten years is 58. So far predation has been very low and the weather good, a Kestrel has recently become a nuisance taking a few chicks but we are very hopeful that the level of predation can be kept down to an acceptable level. Thanks to all the wardens for doing such an excellent job - it's not too late to volunteer, contact the RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

The distinctive call of a Golden Oriole was heard in Dungeon Wood (Heswall) at the beginning of the month but a possible fleeting glimpse of it a few days later in Heswall was the only reported sighting. A Tawny Pipit was seen for a couple of days at the Point of Ayr. June is an unusual date for this vagrant but may be it was blown by the same east wind that brought the Black Lark to South Stack! What was presumably the same Red-backed Shrike as last month returned briefly to Red Rocks.

It has not been a particularly good month for sea watching but 20 Manx Shearwaters were seen on the horizon from Gronant. Gronant was also a good place to see Common Scoters where 30 or so flew by most days.

What to expect in July.
July is a great month for birdwatching and it gets better as the month progresses. First come the Sandwich Terns, they are always the first species of tern to finish breeding and many gather on the sand banks of the Dee Estuary for a spot of R&R before making their way south to the wintering grounds off Africa. Expect to see  a thousand or more at their favourite haunts of Gronant, Point of Ayr, Hilbre, West Kirby and Hoylake. Large flocks of gulls can also be seen at the same places, look out for the odd Roseate or Black Tern, rare visitors which can turn up in July. A few Arctic Skuas are usually seen following both the terns and gulls.

Wader numbers will rapidly build up during the month. Most of the Oystercatchers, Curlew and Redshank will have bred in this country, a second wave of birds from Iceland and Scandinavia will follow in August and September. We can also get quite large movements of Sanderling and Dunlin, these will be birds which have bred in the far north passing through on their way south. As soon as the chicks are old enough to feed themselves the adults leave, this avoids the adults and chicks competing for the same food.

July is also good for the passage of rarer waders - for example Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper. May be an early adult Curlew Sandpiper will make an appearance, and last year we even had a Marsh Sandpiper. Avocets have been breeding not too far away and we could see a family or two pausing on their way south.

Little Egrets will return to the estuary, last year we had 12 by the end of the month. It will be very interesting to see if they can carry on increasing at the same rate as the previous four years. Apart from the usual Gannets a fresh west wind might bring in Storm Petrels.

Forthcoming Events (organised by the Wirral Ranger Service, Flintshire Countryside Service and/or the RSPB):
All these events and walks have bird interest, even those not advertised specifically for birdwatching. No need to book for these events unless specified - please check below.

Thursday 3rd July 8:00pm - 11:00pm. Night Owl Watch.
An evening walk around Royden Park to see and hear these birds of the night. This is a joint walk with the Rangers and the Wirral and Ellesmere Port Barn Owl Trust, who will describe their work to save this charismatic bird. Suitable clothing and footwear are essential. Booking Essential. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884.

Saturday 26th July  8:00pm. Birds, Bats, Moths and BBQ.
Join the RSPB staff at Burton Point Farm and delve into the world of the creatures of the night. Learn all about our nocturnal neighbours with the local experts. Booking essential. Tickets £6.50 members and £7.50 non-members. For tickets and further information contact RSPB on 0151 336 7681.

Sunday 10th August, 8:30am. Banks Road Birdwatch at Heswall.
One of the best places on the estuary to get close-up views of a variety of waders including Black-tailed Godwit, Knot, Redshank and Curlew. There is also a good chance of seeing Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Whimbrel. (HW 10:40, 8.5m) Meet at Banks Road car park, Lower Heswall, near Sheldrake's Restaurant. Further information, tel. 0151 648 4371/3884

Wednesday 13th August, In Search of Terns.
A guided walk to Hilbre Island (staying over the tide) to search for Terns as they pass us on their mammoth migration. Please note there is a £1 charge for this event. Waterproofs and stout footwear are recommended. Please bring a packed lunch. Booking essential. Tel: 0151 648 4371/3884.

Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday) - Pelagic Trip from Anglesey in to the Irish Sea.
Local birder Allan Conlin has arranged a trip in search of seabirds including skuas, shearwaters and petrels. This will leave from Amlwch, Anglesey. The fully insured boat provides a sheltered cabin area, cooking facilities, hot and cold drinks and wc. The experienced charter skipper and on board guide will offer an enjoyable and memorable pelagic experience for only £25.00 per person. For details and to book your place ring Allan on 0151 625 9258 or 07791274837.

Note: Many of these forthcoming events are extracted from the 'Birdwatchers Diary 2003', which covers both the Dee and Mersey regions. Hard copies available from the visitor centre at Thurstaston, Wirral Country Park 0151 648 4371.