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.