31st Aug - cloud clearing to sunny periods 22C, light SW

The Tawny Owls remain vocal at night, starting after about 1030h and continuing through the early hours, it's great to hear them.

This morning at least 61Swallows were sitting on the telegraph wires about the village street, of course mostly juveniles, among them were two (maybe others) juvenile House Martins.

After 1630h, the Sparrowhawk circled slowly drifting low eastward over the village, seemingly  teasing the Swallows that buzzed it, but not hunting them.

On moving part on an old wood pile I disturbed a Toad, a nice big one, so I placed him back under some rotten logs in a new home, he'll be fine.

30th Aug - sunny very warm, 25C, light southerly

A busy day, but I did notice a Sparrowhawk female circling and drift west over the village mid-morning, chased a little by the Swallows.  Then mid-afternoon, another, or the same female, drifted over eastward quite high, again the Swallows just letting it know they had spotted it.

29th Aug - cloud clearing to sunny periods, very warm, 24C, light SW

A Grey Wagtail flew past home this morning, no doubt returned here for the winter around the farms and brook.  A Little later a single Yellow Wagtail flew over calling westward, while two Pied Wagtails were busy on the roofs.

During the day I noticed a Swallow flew out of a shed carrying a feacal sac, so it has some small young in the nest, this one will have to wait awhile before leaving then.  This evening with a clear blue sky and warmth some 30+ Swallows were having a great time flying over the village, sometimes forming a loose flock and dashing through the sky in a pre-roost flight, always making plenty of noise.  Watching Swallows on an evening like this is perform their evening flight makes the village feel empty once they have gone.

During the afternoon I visited Eyebrook reservoir as some interesting birds had been reported in the last few days.  First, to find a Whinchat which had been seen, searching the area did not find it, another birder had not found it either, he took a look over the field margin and found it, good views were then had of it atop vegetation, it was a female or 1st winter bird.  A flock of Linnet and Goldfinch feed in the next feed and bordering hedgerow.

There were plenty of Lapwing around the waters edge, but no other waders were found.   About 20 Shoveler and Gadwall were feeding at the inflow end, along with plenty of Teal and Mallard, only three Pochard were seen, the Tufted Duck were further out in the deeper water, many Greylag and Canada Geese were making plenty of noise on the mud.

Two Common Tern were resting on the nesting rafts.  A small number of Sand Martins and Swallows were present over the water. A Red Kites flew over high.  Then all of the Lapwing rose up in a panic, a Peregrine falcon flew through then, circled and attempting to catch one, unsuccessful it made a number of attempts but the Lapwing were off, higher and higher.  Eventually the Peregrine moved off and the Lapwing quickly returned as if nothing had occurred.

Two Little Egret and a Grey Heron feed at the waters edge.

28th Aug - sunny spells, light NW, 22CA

There was 36 Swallows on the wires this morning, with a few flying around, so we shall keep seeing them a little longer yet.

At Stanford reservoir this afternoon there was four Common Sandpipers on the dam, at least 12 Grey Wagtails were feeding on the overflow weir and a Kingfisher was present too.  The Canada Geese flock was at 64 today, with 30-40 Greylag Geese.  Gadwall were up to 12, only three Pochard and one Wigeon were present.

Two of the Four Common Sandpipers

A few Swallows and Sand Martins were feeding over the water, a Kestrel was perched atop of a dead tree where the Hobby often sits, a Sparrowhawk flew from the bushes and two Green Woodpeckers were near the dam.

Several Whitethroat and Blackcaps made themselves known.  Several roving tit/warbler flocks were in the dense Willows surrounding the waters edge.  When one flock reached a gap and had to fly through it to the next trees it always surprises me how many birds there actually could be in the flock.   I got only see a handful of birds in this flock , but when they past the gap and dived for new cover there was over 50 birds.  One wonders what gems were among them but not identified.

A few Bullfinch were see/heard, while the Goldfinch flock, ~35, was feeding on the game food area that contains a lot of Thistles.

Speckled Wood seemed to be everywhere, five Green-veined White and a Peacock was out.  Numerous Brown and Southern Hawkers were dashing around, plus one Emperor Dragonfly.

A Toadlet hopped slowly across the path in front of me.  After the recent rain some fungi have responded by fruiting too.

27th Aug - sunny periods am, thunderstorm developing pm with period of rain, sometimes heavy, 19C, moderate easterly

I visited Stanford reservoir just after the thunderstorm had past through hoping some migrating birds (Hirundines, Terns etc) may have taken shelter, nothing unexpected though.  There was c15 Swallows, c20 Sand martins and c15 House Martins.

A Moorhen make a rapid exit from the water and stood on the overflow making a very agitated noise with its wing arched and staring back at the water. I could not see what had caused the moorhen to be alarmed, may be an Otter as a Fisherman said he heard them last night in that area.  Then a Common Sandpiper flew on to the overflow looking a little agitated too.

A charm of 35 Goldfinch were in the tree tops, feeding on the nearby bird/game food area.  A party of Long-tailed Tits were heard in the bushes, along with several Chiffchaffs. Six Grey Wagtails were feeding along the overflow weir, one Pied Wagtail was present too.

I could count 64 Mute Swans, only Mallard and Tufted Ducks were seen from my position near the dam, others may have been closer to the inlet end today.  Canada Geese numbered 35 and Greylag Geese were feeding on the adjacent stubble field.

26th Aug - mostly sunny, very warm, 20C, light SW

 Rain last night clearing early morning to give a sunny, slightly humid day, especially pm.

There did not seem so many Swallows around the village today, but being a better day they may have been feeding further afield, or maybe some have left.

I took a look around the local lake during the afternoon. The Mute Swan pair with the nine cygnets were still on the lake, along with several Little Grebe, with well grown young, Coots, Mallard and a single Tufted Duck.

Passerines were scarce this afternoon, Chiffchaff, Blackcap two Bullfinch and a Yellowhammer, Blue and Long-tailed Tits were roaming about.were seen.

Several Dragonfly were about and tsp plus Speckled Wood butterflies were on the wing.

This area will be changing in the near future as a very large warehouse extension plan will be build on the neighbouring farmland, a wildlife area and park is also proposed, this will include further a lake area to take the drainage water from the site.  So, the typical farmland birds will be affected, but others will gain to some extent.  We shall see what happens in time.

25th Aug - cloudy, dull day, occasional light shower, mild 20C, light breeze

The Coal Tit was singing in the church Yew this morning, with a few Goldfinch flying around the village.  A number of juvenile and adult Starling are still present, either flying around catching the flying ants that are currently abundant, feeding in the fields or visiting the garden feeders.  About 100 Swallows were feeding overhead most of the day, with the occasional House Martin with them.

A brief visit in the evening to Shawell lagoons did not last too long as a gull flew in that had a long piece of tape hanging from its leg.  This spooked all the gulls present and some of the other birds too, also the light faded quickly making it difficult to see well.  The usual Gulls were present initially in good numbers, with a few juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls too.

Lapwing numbers have increased to about 80, also one Common Sandpiper was present on the shoreline.  About 30 each of Canada and Greylag Geese were loafing around the lagoon.

24th Aug - sunny and becoming hot, 28C, light SW breeze, thick cloud arriving evening & light shower

Last night about midnight a Tawny Owl was calling from the church yard area, John from the village told me he heard at least thre Tawny Owls calling from about 1030h from the treesfields near to his house..

Today, a busy day, so alas no significant time foe observations time possible.

23rd Aug - hot, 30C, light SW, thin broken cloud

We have a finger of hot weather coming up from the continent for a few days giving the hottest day this year here and no doubt elsewhere.

Occasional Yellow Wagtail flying around again.

At 1530h, I was again lucky to catch sight of a Hobby flying over me, very low, while in the village. A couple of Swallows chased after it, but it was not seriously hunting and it shrugged them off and they left it alone.

This evening I thought a walk at Stanford reservoir would be nice and a bit colder, though still 24C, let's face it for the UK hot days and warm evenings are not too common nowadays.

The first bird was a Kingfisher on the water tower, I never tire of seeing these little gems.  Initially one Common Tern was seen over the water, later a second appeared and joined it.  Pochard numbers have increased over the last week, although 10 were present the other day, only seven were seen today.  The male Goldeneye was seen again, soon others should return.  A Grey Heron was fishing on the dam, no waders today until I heard three Curle, these flew in from the east, circles looking for a place to settle, however there is no suitable shore at the moment, so they left westward.  One may have been a juvenile, so probably a family group.

Several Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff and Blackcap were in the water edge Willows, also Long-tailed Tits, Bullfinch (3).

Several Speckled Wood, a single Green-veined White and a good number of Dragonflies were out, all making the most of the very warm evening.

In a nearby field the harvest was being gathered, making the most of the dry weather after the recent showers. The dust was amazing, they were chopping and spreading the straw behind the combine, it looked like smoke.

22nd Aug - mostly cloudy, warm and humid, light SW wind

There were two Yellow Wagtails in the grass field with lambs at about 0915h, later during the morning singles were seen flying over the village between the fields.

About 1020h a Hobby flew in low and fast (over the above field), targeting the Swallows that were feeding in the Lee of the nearby wood.  A dramatic chase ensued with lots of twists and turns and dives, the Swallows escaped this time and the Hobby moved off over the village westward.

Three Mistle Thrushes were on the shed roof near the church mid-morning, before moving into the church yard trees.  These have been conspicuously absent for a while, as is the usual case in mid summer. Hopefully, soon a flock of several families should be seen in the fields, usually to the west of the village.

21 Aug - Sunny spells, breezy SW, 22C, shower early evening

First thing a Yellow Wagtail flew over the fields to the east of the village.

About noon I scanned the sky above the village as the Swallows were mildly excited, gathered in a loose flock quite high, sure enough two Hobbies were catching insect prey not far off, not after a Swallow this time.

I spent the afternoon at the Lyndon reserve, Rutland water, particularly to see an out off season Long-tailed Duck. It is a male in eclipse, so it does not look as splendid as a summer or winter plumed bird, nevertheless still great to see here.

It was sometimes among a Tufted Duck and Mallard raft, and sometimes on the shore, preening.  With the Tufted Duck was a female with two large ducklings.

Off-shore there were plenty of Common Terns flying and resting, some still catching fish for their juveniles.  Occasionally, two juvenile Black Terns flew among them.  There were plenty of Little Egrets about, some getting close to the hides.

As there was a Osprey family still present, 2 adults and a juvenile, I popped in to the Osprey viewing post and had good views, the juv was constantly calling for food, but seemingly being ignored by its parents at that time.

At the shallow wader area a green Sandpiper and juvenile Ruff were feeding, apart from a few Lapwing no other waters were present.

A range of other birds were seen, including four Yellow Wagtails flying overhead, Little Grebe, Teal Gadwall, in all 40+ species were seen.

Several Dragonfly were spotted like this Ruddy Darter that settled on the path in front of me.

20th Aug - blusterly SW, gusty strong at times, occasional shower morning, 19C

Unseasonal winds as a low passes NE over us, but mild.

A quick look at Shawell lagoons this afternoon turned up at least five Yellow-legged Gulls, one Great Black-backed, a few Herring and plenty of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.   44 Greylag and 28 Canada Gesse were on the shore, a Common Sandpiper flew in and fed awhile.  A Sparrowhawk flew over, while six Sand Martins were feeding over the lagoons.

19Th. Aug - light rain 0800h from the SW, on/off until late afternoon, 18C, light wind increasing alittle

A Grey Heron flew over the village at 0830h, dropping its long legs as it headed for touchdown at the back field pond.

A quick call at Stanford reservoir in the evening produced some nice sightings.  Two Common Tern were present, a single Shoveler duck (first autumn record) and a couple of Pochard were with the Tufted Duck and Mallards.  On the dam two Grey Wagtails fed, sometimes perching on the tower walk-way, also two Common Sandpipers at the waters edge.

Several Chiffchaff and Blackcaps were in the willows, no doubt other warblers too, but they are so well hidden.  A party of Long-tailed Tits made their way through the bushes, Blackbird and Song Thrush called irritated by something.

Over the water six Sand martins appeared feeding, then 10 House Martins appeared tree height over the dam area, and a couple of Swallows joined in.

A green Woodpecker was around the dam area, while two Kestrels hunted over the adjacent fallow field.
Several lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls dropped in for a 'brush-up' before leaving for their roost.

18th Aug - misty at first, clearing to give a hot day p, 24C, light easterly

This morning a Nuthatch was calling in the Long Spinney, also several Green Woodpeckers were quite vocal around the village fields.

Everyday now the Swallows are spending time on the wires and preening, getting their feathers in good shape for their journey head.  Hopefully the numbers will build up and the wires will be full. The question is how long will they hang on, and how late will the last one be brooding young still?

17th Aug - sunny and very warm, 24C, light breeze.

Carl called me late afternoon to say he had seen two Caspian Gulls at Shawall lagoons and the landfill, so I made my way there for the evening.  Carl was still there and was able to put me on them among the several hundred gulls present.  One a juvenile and another probably a third summer plumed bird.  You can see photos on Carl's blog - 'bagawildone'.  All the other usual gulls were present, only a couple of Black-headed.  Still waiting for the first Autumn Common Gull here.

The mixed flock of Canada and Greylag Gese were parent, a Grey Heron flew in and started fishing. there Little Grebe were on the south lagoon again, as were the Tufted Duck family and a few others.  A juvenile Chaffinch flew in to the hedge and a Chiffcahff called, a few Swallows flew over the water.

Three Foxes were feeding on the sand, causing only a little disturbance to the Gulls and Lapwing, I would have though this family would have split by now as I saw them earlier in the year.

16th Aug -mostly sunny, light easterly, 20C

I visted Stanford reservoir in the evening to see if any waders were in, alas no.  Pochard numbers were up to 10, which included some immatures,. Still the single Wigeon, six Teal were mixed in with the Tufted Duck, two Grey Heron were arguing and 15 Cormorants were roosting in the willows.  There were about 40 Tree Sparrows in the feed station area and a variety of warblers were in the bushes.  An occasional Linnet flew overhead and Red Buntings were giving aiarm calls as some young were nearby.

A Muncjac was feeding under the trees near the waters edge, later another walked along the side path.  A couple of Green -veined Whites were out flying as were a few Dragonflies, probably Brown Chasers.

15th Aug - cloudy breaking to give a glorious sunny summers day, hot, 25C, light breeze

This morning the Coal Tit was in the church Yew again calling.  Throughout the day the Swallows have been making the most of the weather around the fields and over the village, at one time there was a rush of about 100 over the village.  Late afternoon a Sparrowhawk lazily drifted over causing the Swallows to be only mildly concerned.

A quick look at Shawell lagoons this evening to catch any gulls having a 'wash and brush-up' before they head off to roost.  mostly Lesser Black-backed, but some Herring and one adult Yellow-legged Gull.  A Kingfisher was seen sitting on the new gull perch that had been erected, our first site record, hopefully not the last.

Kingfisher, distant (cropped) record shot on perch

Four Little Grebe were present, a juvenile Kestrel hovered about and made a clumsy landing in the top of an Ash sapling..  A Yellow Wagtail called as it flew over.

14th Aug - cloudy until later afternoon then a few brief sunny spells, very light breeze NW, 20C

After visiting the Fillongley show I made a late afternoon visit to Stanford reservoir.

On the dam a Common Sandpiper was feeding at the waters edge, later a Green Sandpiper flew on to the dam.  The usual duck were present including the Goldeneye male still moulting, while four Common Tern fed over the water. Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting and Tree Sparrows were all seen.  A good selection of warblers were seen too, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. A Jay called in the adjoining wood and a Green Woodpecker was along the entrance drive.  Only  single Swallow was seen today.

Butterflies included several Speckled Wood and Green-veined White, a Peacock and a Meadow Brown.

A Southern Hawker dragonfly occasionally rested between feeding flights giving a chance for a decent photograph.

While taking further shots of the Hawker a Common Blue Damselfly flew in and hassled the hawker, you can see the blue 'blurr' in the photo below.  I noticed that this was occurring frequently even as the hawker was hunting.  Not sure why, maybe the Damselfly felt threatened or was protecting a territory!  The Hawker seemed unconcerned by it all.

13th Aug - light rain first thing, then broken cloud, warm and humid 23C, light SW wind

About 0830h a Nuthatch called in the Long spinney west of the village, then two noisy Marsh Tits, in a roaming Tit flock made themselves visible.  Don't see these as often as I used to in this area.

Next a look at the local lake, here a pair of Little grebe were feeding a well grown chick, Coot numbers are high currently due to a very successful breeding season at the lake.  The Mute Swan pair and nine cygnets are still present, but only one Tufted Duck was there today.

A Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were having a tussle, I think both may have young in the area.  Otherwise it was pretty quite, a single Peacock butterfly was flying about.

I spent a lot of the afternoon at Shawell lagoons trying to learn the Gull juvenile and other young age plumages, fortunately Carl was there to help.  There was ab out a 1000 Gulls present o begin with, these dwindled as some went off to feed, and then more left when a Fox appeared on the shore.  Although it was being rather brave going in to the 'sinking' sand area and sinking  up to its knees.

Gulls present were Lesser Black-backed, Herring, Yellow Legged and Black-headed.  A Common Sandpiper and Pied Wagtail fed on the shore for a while.  A couple of Sand Martins and single Swallow were feeding over the water.  Two Little grebe and a few Tufted Duck were on the south lagoon, including a female with six mid-sized ducklings.

12th Aug - cloudy start, becoming sunny and warm, 22C, breezy SW

A Yellow Wagtail flew over the village west this morning and another or same east mid afternoon.  We have a small Autumn passage, they usually spent a few days rest in the cattle/ Sheep fields.

I spent the evening back at Brandon marsh as there is low water and plenty of mud that should attract more waders.  Seven Green Sandpipers were on the Teal pool, and plenty of Lapwing on the east marsh pool islands.  A pleasant evening, but no new waders at the moment, Autumn migration is in its early days before the rush begins.

A Green and Great spotted Woodpecker were the far side of Albans marsh. A Jay called staying under cover in the trees by the main hide path.

Four Sand Martins week over east marsh, six Swallows around the centre and a single House Martin flew over high before moving off eastwards.

Otherwise birds similar to the last visit. While walking back I noticed a black hairy caterpillar on the path, anyone know which species?

A bit of research on-line suggests this is a White Ermine Moth caterpillar, from it's size, not too 'hairy' and the faint orange line down it's body.

11th Aug - light rain first thing, then mostly cloudy, dull at times and humid, 20C, light NW

This afternoon I visited Brandon marsh, the dull weather and humid weather was not too promising but a good afternoon was had.  On Teal pool there were seven Green Sandpipers feeding, very nice to see together.

Green Sandpiper

On the East marsh four Snipe were seen feeding and occasionally flying around, there was an estimated 250 Lapwing too.

Very luckily today Kingfisher were quite active and I could see three chasing each other near the Steetly hide.

A couple of Shoveler, about 12 Teal and six Gadwall were present, while on the island the Canada and Greylag Goose flock made themselves well known to all.  

A couple of Sand Martins and five Swallows were flying over the pools.  Several Chiffchaff could be seen or heard, a single Reed Warbler was feeding in the reed base and a single Blackcap gave its alarm call. Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits and Treecreeper were found near to Horsetail glade.  Here a large fungus, growing out of a dead stump was found.

On the bottom marsh a Little Egret was feeding, a couple of Grey Heron were seen around the reserve too.

In the finch line, several Goldfinch were around, two Bullfinch were in the bushes, in the top of the Rowan at the car park four Greenfinch were found, a family of two adults and two juveniles.

10th Aug - sunny intervals, then cloudy, 16C, light breeze

Early afternoon, 30+ House Sparrows in the Parsons Close area, I wonder how many we have in the village, seem to be holding numbers well.

I popped to Stanford reservoir late evening to see what was coming in to roost, not too much as it happened.  A few Cormorants, gulls came then left, no doubt for Draycote, and no Starlings seen this evening.

However, a Hobby called from trees behind me, two Blackbirds were very agrevaged calling loudly in a thick Ivy clad tree making me think the was probably a hidden Tawny Owl.  A Kingfisher flew along the reservoir, both Grey and Pied Wagtails were on the overflow weir.  A Green Woodpecker called, a Goldfinch over flew and two Grey Heron were stalking around the waters edge.

The male Goldeneye was among the Tufted Duck and one Gadwall was spotted at the inlet end.

9th Aug - sunny spells, breezy NW, 20C, changeable

Still a good sized Starling flock of adults and juvs around the village.

Very few butterflies on the Buddliea flowers so far this year, although there was a Green-veined White in the garden on the wildflower area.

8th Aug - sunny, NW breezy day, 22C

I spotted a Froglet in the grass this morning, about 1cm long.  We think of Frogs breeding in the Spring, but they breed throughout the summer too to,some extent.

I had a look at Shawell lagoons early evening, quite a few gulls were in, I could only find one colour ringed full, a adult Lesser Black-backed (DBD), ringed Gloucestershire in 2008.  A super adult Yellow-legged Gull was busy preening, unfortunately not bearing a ring though.

A lot of Canada Geese were in, 96, I've not seen this many here for awhile.  About 15 Mallard and 6 Tufted Duck were on the water, as were two Little Grebe, while a Mute Swan swan around rather leisurely.

A calling Yellow Wagtsil flew over and may have landed nearby, a single Goldfinch also flew over.

7th Aug - sunny periods, warm, 24C, pretty breezy at times

A busy day, so no obs of note.

A Chiffchaff was calling in a hedge this evening and several juvenile Swallows were on the wires again.

6th Aug - sunny spells, very warm, 25C, light SW

Visited the Blakesley show today, a traditional agricultural show, great to see all the animal breeds.

In the evening took a walk at Stanford reservoir, lovely evening, very warm.  Along the reservoir by-pass stream I heard at least for plops and ripples, I hope this signifies we still have Water Vole.  There is American Mink occasionally seen here, but not many, so maybe the voles are able to survive.

On the reservoir there was the single Wigeon still, a couple of drake Pochard, plus the usual Mallard and Tufted Duck.  Hopefully soon more duck will be arriving for the winter.  Five Common Tern and several Sand Martin were feeding over the water.

Three Little Egret were in the trees, I thought maybe roosting, but a little later there could not be seen, with 12 Cormorant.

About 500 Starling came in to roost, giving a little murmur action before descending in to the reeds.

On the dam a Green Sandpiper was feeding at the waters edge.  At least two Grey Wagtails were on the overflow weir.

5th Aug - warm 23C, light SW, sunny intervals

First thing this morning a Coal Tit was singing from the Church Yews.  On the pastures with the sheep and cattle about 100 Starlings jostled each other for the feeding spots.

We had another hedgehog road causality at the coal pit lane -village street junction the other day, exactly,where Imsaw the last one in Spring.

4th Aug - sunny periods, light - steady NW, 19C

An early rise and walk along the river  Dee in Llangollen was worthwhile.  I soon spotted Mandarin duck, at least 14 along with about 20 Mallard.  A Kingfisher dashed up and down stream, with a family of Grey Wagtails.  I then found a Dipper and had very good views of it feeding in the river, fascinating how they can go against the flow.  Overhead a single Swift flew past and several House Martins were feeding, presumably these nest in the town somewhere.

Next off to Holyhead harbour on Anglesey to see the Black Guillemot.  The onshore wind was making it a bit uncomfortable, but a wall offered shelter. Scanning around the sea just off the harbour I find three breeding plumed Black Guilemots  and two 1st winter plumed birds, they were floating on the sea and occasionally fishing..   On the large harbour marker, just off the harbour, several Cormorant and Shag sat preening or resting.

A distant Black Guillemot, 1st winter 

Next off to the RSPB South Stack reserve, the wind was directly onshore here, not brilliant for the small birds, but the (red-billed) Chough loved it and spent a lot of time flying and hanging in it.  All the nesting Auks had left their cliff sites and now out at sea.  However, several Kittewakes were on the cliffs behind the lighthouse and off shore Gannet and Manx Shearwater could be seen skimming the waves.

 South Stack Lighthouse

 Cliff top in bloom

As things were fairly quite here I decided to visit a new site I've not been to before about 30 mins away.  Cemlyn is a nature reserve that consists of a lagoon behind a stony shingle beach.  It is famous for nesting terns, although nesting has finished and few terns remain.  I did see a couple of Sandwich Tern and single terns sat on posts by the lagoon, these were an Arctic and Common Terns.  There were several Little Egret and Grey Heron around the lagoon.   The commoner duck were present and a flock on GreyLag geese were on the field edge, about 20 Curlew were with them roosting.  On the Lagoon mud a single Dunlin, Greenshank and Curlew Sandpiper fed, as usual there were plenty of Oystercatchers too. Two waders then flew in and settled together, one initially looked like a Little Stint, the other I did not recognize.  They both immediately sat in the vegetation and put their head under wing to roost - giving no views, then somethings must have spooked them as they were off in a flash.  So, tantalizing, but not identifiable today.

2nd Aug - cloudy day, light rain/ drizzle on and off until late afternoon, mild humid light SW, 22C

Not too much to report today.  There was a flock of about 40 Starling that stayed around the village area much of the day, sometimes on the houses, other times in the adjacent fields and gardens.

In the evening I had a look at Shawell lagoons, a flock of Canada and Greylag Geese were present. Few duck, a Tufted had five ducklings on the water though.  A Little Grebe also present   The gulls were spooked by a low flying Buzzard and never returned, even though there must have been a 1000 on the nearby landfill site.

1st Aug - bright start, clouding over from NW, 21C, light rain early evening

This morning a Coal Tit was singing in the Church Yew tree and a Green Woodpecker was pretty vocal from the wood to the east of the village.

As luck would have it I looked out of the kitchen window at the end of lunch just as a Swift zipped past over the houses opposite.

A quick look at Stanford reservoir again this afternoon produced a Kingfisher, Grey Heron,  three Green Woodpeckers, Whitethroat and c15 Goldfinch on the drive game cover.  Over the water were about 40 Sand Martin, just one Swallow and three Common Tern, one a juvenile had a colour ring, green 16, so I'll get the ringing info for it.   The Mallard and Tufted Duck still have all their ducklings as reported yesterday.

Common Tern, juv 'green 16'

with adult Common Tern and Black-headed Gull