6th Sept - cloud breaking afternoon, very war 24C, light. SW

A Hobby flew over the village at about 1030h, circling on the hunt, however the Swallows and House Martins had spotted it and had formed a loose flock (about 100) much higher looking down on it. The Hobby moved half a mile to the east before swinging back, but still no luck, it then headed off westward.

Just after this a party of three Yellow Wagtails flew over, I had already seen several single about moving between the fields.  A charm of about 6 Goldfinch were around the village and a single Linnet flew over.  The Coal Tit was back in the Church Yew tree, which Collared Doves were singing and displaying, this warm spell must have set then off, two pairs were seen.

In the village Richard and Stella tell me they found a Red-underwing moth they other day and a fairly large green Cricket in their garden.  Also, they have seen a few, they thought were, Holly Blue butterfly earlier in the year.

I made a visits to Stanford reservoir during the afternoon, although quite short it was interesting.  A juv Hobby sat atop their favourite tree before flying off to catch Dragonflies (a good number about today).   Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were all seen.  On the water the usual candidates, plus a Wigeon and four Shoveler.  Two Common Sandpipers were on the dam feeding and two Kingfishers were noisy along the waters edge willows.

A Muntjac crashed through the undergrowth and then moved off rather slowly to cover.  Speckled Wood were numerous, several Green-veined White and a single Common Blue butterfly was seen.