11th September
A nice surprise this morning was a Redstart seen briefly. This time of year we have passage birds passing through which sometimes stay briefly. Redstarts are very scarce breeders in the Midlands, so unless you visit there woodlands their strongholds elsewhere in the UK you have to hope you see one on passage, especially in the autumn.

We still have about 40 Swallows around the village and fields.

Yesterday there was a Magpie on the back of a lamb, today two Jackdaws. I really must try for a photograph, it would be good to have a record.