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.