17th September

A pleasantly warm day, at least most of it, becoming cloudier during the afternoon, much wildlife responding to the better weather.

Quite a few Speckled Wood were out on the hedges, see photo of one taken earlier this year. Also Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were on the wing.

Several Southern Hawker Dragonfly were found, often well away from water.  If you have a garden pond you may well attract Dragonflies, if so let me know if you do.

Two Marsh Tits were heard from the thick bushes, but could not be seen, numbers of these had decreased over recent times. Treecreeper, Chiffchaff and Blackcap were found in the local wooded area.  Nearby a single Spotted Flycatcher was briefly seen.

About 1150h I heard a distant 'croak' call, quickly looking up I spotted two Ravens lazily flying high over SW, enjoying the thermals, then two more joined therm, maybe a family. Once rarely seen here, now regular and likely breeding not too far off where suitable nest trees occur.

There was about 20 Swallows around the village and fields today - not for much longer I guess.