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Unsettled weather always brings mixed fortunes for some of our breeding birds.

Last week, I seemed to be surrounded by young Blue Tits wherever I went, their hatching and fledging coinciding with the peak hatch of woodland caterpillars.

But ornithologists checking nestboxes occupied by Pied Flycatchers report higher-than-average desertion by parents and many chicks dead in the nest, presumably a symptom of food shortages.

There was sad news too from volunteers guarding the Osprey nest at Pont Croesor on the River Glaslyn.

One of this year’s three chicks died on Sunday, having vomited and regurgitated blood a few days’ previously.

There was drama for the youngest chick too, which fell onto its back and was unable to right itself.

After consulting with other experts, the team made the rare decision to intervene, to give the chick the best chance of survival.

Fingers crossed for the rest of the season.

(Image: Nathan Jones)

What else is around at the moment?

Bird of the week was a stunning adult Rosy Starling in a Wrexham garden.

Homeowner Nathan Jones filmed it chasing House Sparrows from his Acton Park lawn, its identity confirmed by social media users.

Another Rosy Starling was reported from Aberdaron last week.

Other recent sightings include a Great Egret and Spoonbill at RSPB Cors Ddyga, and two more Spoonbills over Rhuddlan.

Hooded Crows were at Connah’s Quay, Carmel Head and Bardsey, where a Greenish Warbler was found last week by the Bird Observatory warden who heard it singing while he was in the toilet!

RSPB South Stack nature reserve

Work planned at the RSPB’s South Stack nature reserve on Anglesey means reduced car parking space until the autumn, and temporary facilities have been set up in the lower car park.

The viewpoint at Ellin’s Tower, overlooking the bustling seabird colony, remains open as usual.

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Go birding: Talks, walks and activities in North Wales this week

You can turn up to any of these events unless a phone number to book is provided.