25th June - Sunny intervals, showers pm, humid at times, breeze SW

In the morning I had a quick look at the local lake, all the expected species were present.  It is quite good habitat for Bullfinch, with at least 4 present, possibly a family, one a male sitting atop a Hawthorn calling very loudly for his mates. The cob Mute Swan was on the lake but the pen and cygnets were not seen, maybe these were deep in the reeds.  On the lane verge flying over the grass and brambles I noticed a small butterfly, well I thought it was a butterfly, in fact it is a Chimney Sweep moth, it loves flying in sunshine.

Chimney Sweep Moth

During the afternoon I popped to Brandon marsh, hoping for butterflies, but the sun disappeared a it cooled, so off to the bird hides.  From the Teal hide there was a few Teal feeding a Redshank, but little else.  Most birds were on the East marsh, with plenty of moulting Gadwall, on the main island a single Ringed Plover and nearby a Little-ringed Plover.  The Lapwing flock is still at about 45, but will increase more yet.  Reed Warblers and fledged youngsters kept popping up close to the hide and the Cetti's sang often.  Then Common terns were busy feeding their young, maybe next year one of these could be at Stanford reservoir.

At the Carlton hide a Little Grebe was playing hide and seek, then a grey heron landed and posed very nicely. A Hobby hunted high above giving some nice fly-bys.  Three Linnets sat on a bush in the middle of the marsh.

Several Green Woodpeckers were about and a single Great-spotted flew over a gap near the old tip area.  A Cuckoo called a few times, surely not for much longer now.