31st May - sunny spells, humid, light SW, 22C

Willey; this morning a Fox cub ran in to the wood to the east and later another cub crossed the road from the Long Spinney.  A Whitethroat was still singing from the hedge near cross-in hand- roundabout, while a cock Pheasant skulked away under the hedge nearby.  A young Toad hopped in the ditch and a Red Admiral landed on a fence post for a moment.  A Buzzard circled slowly while being harrid by 2 Carrion Crows, of course it took no notice of them.

Theddingworth; during the afternoon I had a walk around a small lake I know here that often has Grass Snake sunning.  One has been seen recently, so I thought today would be worth a look.  Alas, no Grass Snake today.  I did hear a Green Woodpecker, several Goldfinch, Linnet and Swallows.  A Stock Dove was singing from the Ash tree nearby.

I noticed at least 4 species of Bee feeding on the following water hyacinth. I did look for Dragonfly too, at least 2 species of Damselfly were out, no Dragonfly seen though.  Here are some photos of the Common Blue Damselfly and Large Red Damselfly.

Stanford reservoir; Chris texted here had a likely Grey Plover, but it may be something else so I went to have a look.  We concluded it was likely a female Grey Plover.  The Lapwing still has 4 chicks at the inlet end, all looking good.  The Jack Snipe again showed at its usual place late evening.

30th May - sunny spells, light SW, humid, thundery

Willey; This morning while dealing with some stinging nettles I noticed they has several Ladybirds on them, I then noticed a larger, black looking beetle which I think is a Harlequin Ladybird, a good job phones have cameras..  It is an invasive species, first seen in Britain in 2014, either accidentally or blown over from mainland Europe as it has spread there too.  It originates from Asia, unfortunately it eats beetles, including our native Ladybirds.  Its spread in the UK is well documented (harlequin-survey.org).  this is the first one I have seen in our area.

Later in the morning I noticed a Cinnabar Moth in the grass.

Early evening I noticed a very colourful little spider on the rear of my car, sheltering in the logo.  I've no idea what species, do you?  It may be a Green Orb-Weaver Spider

Stanford Reservoir;  This evening I visited the reservoir, on arrival an Osprey had just been reported, fortunately it was still present and I was able to watch it for a while before it moved off.  A single Little-ringed Plover was in the location where the chicks were the other day, they were seen earlier, in fact they have been caught and ringed and are back with there mother without a problem.  The lapwing still has her 4 chicks.

photo to be added.

A couple of Teal, 3 Shoveler, 12+ Gadwall were among the ducks present.  All the usual warblers were present, the Cuckoo was calling and overhead 40+ Swifts were busily feeding.  A Male Bullfinch was making its way through the bushes, Linnet flew over and several Chaffinch were singing.

29th May - rain early and late, 18C, dull, light SW

 Twycross;  although the weather was not brilliant I decided to make a visit to this area to see if I could find and Corn Bunting.  I soon found a male singing, then a female joined him.  Another singing male was found further along the track.  They were showing well, even if they looked a little damp.

I also found a pair of Grey Partridge, a Stock Dove pair plus Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail and Swallow.  Several Hares were also in the fields, which was nice to see.

28th May - sunny am, clouding over pm, 22C, light Southerly

Willey;  A well grown Fox cub was sitting by the hedge in the field just behind the houses which had ewes and lambs, it is an area where there are young Rabbits which it was probably hunting.

Two cock Pheasants were disputing territory in the road side field, they took no notice of the truck I was in and managed to take photos through the windscreen with the phone camera.

27th May - cloudy am, spits of rain, sunny spells pm, 20C, moderately southerly

Pitsford Water; I spent the afternoon walking the 7-mile trail around the reserve, it was a bit too windy, bird song was less then expected, but an interesting walk anyway.

Goldcrests, and the common warblers were in the woodland, several Garden Warblers were heard singing. There were plenty of Cormorants nesting in the colony with much activity going on.  A Buzzard pair had at least one juvenile calling in the wood.  A Red Kite circled high overhead.

On the Tern rafts there were plenty of Common terns nesting and on one an Oystercatcher pair had 2 youngsters.  A Shelduck pair, a few Gadwall and plenty of Mallard were on the water.  At one small pool in Scaldwell bay area a drake Mandarin Duck was walking about, a bit distant but managed a photo.

Several Red-legged Partridge were feeding around the cut paths, Great-spotted Woodpeckers called, I could hear their young in a nest not too far in to the wood.  A good number of House Martin, Sand Martin and Swift were feeding over the water, with a smaller number of Swallows present.

A number of Speckled Wood were flying and a single Red Admiral  was seen.

Another interesting insect flying was the Chimney Sweep Moth, unusual as it likes to fly in bright sunlight and can be mistaken for a butterfly.

I also spotted my first Banded Damoiselle flying near the waters edge.

26th May - another hot one, 26C, light SE

Unusual hot weather continues for another day, at least 10C above average, still I don't think the wildlife is suffering.

Willey; this morning 2-3 Linnets were on the field track to the east, they are nesting in the area.

Stanford reservoir; such a pleasant evening for a walk there, which proved interesting.  The Lapwing has for chicks which seem to be doing well, so far not predated.  I spotted a Little ringed plover in the area we suspected a nest, with 3 chicks running about, and then running back to be brooded.  This is also good news, let's hope both sets of Lapwing and LRP chicks survive to be juveniles at least.   This only because the water level is low due to the maintenance work.

Others many of the usual birds were seen, a couple of male Shoveler were in, and I noticed another new Mallard brood in the distance, 4 Shelduck - but I'm not sure if they have a nest, the same foe the Oystercatcher we keep seeing.

The Cuckoo is still calling, and the Cetti's Warbler, there were 4 Little Egret at the inlet.  I wonder if any have bred locally, let's wait to see if we get any juvs come soon.

25th May - Norfolk, hot and sunny, 24C, light Se breeze/wind

Choseley Barns; A dawn start here to check again, but still no Dotterel or Corn Bunting.  A Turtle Dove flew over towards the distant woodland. A single Grey Partridge was warming in the sunshine, Oystercatchers and Lapwing were on the fields where no doubt they had nests.

I then popped down to Titchwell to check the meadow trail for migrants, all was fairly quite, a Turtle Dove was 'purring' from within the car park wood.  then off for a hearty breakfast.

Kelling Heath; Next stop was Kelling Heath, it was seemingly fairly quite and birds were hard to come by.  A considerablt time was spent searching for Dartford waerbler, a single male was seen to perform its display flight and then flew off and not seen again.  A Stonechat family was in the same area and showed well.

As we were leaving a Steam train came along the track that bisects the heath to add some nostalgia.

Cley-next-the-Sea; Heading off to Cley marshes making a detour along a valley that can produce interesting birds.  Here a Barn Owl was out hunting in the sunshine and a Kestrel too.  In the corner wood a Nightingale was delivering its fabulous song.

At Cley Marshes we visited the new area of Watling marsh and the Babcock hide.  Avocet, Redshank, Little-ringed Plover, Shelduck, Shoveler, Gadwall and 2 Wigeon were some of the birds present.  Bearded Tits were seen dashing over the marsh from one side to another.  The rumoured Little gull was not found.

Holme-Next-the Sea NOA reserve; This area produced many of the birds already seen during the day.  A single Golden Plover flew over the marsh calling, rather late to be here.  A Cuckoo was calling around the reed bed, while Common Terns flew along the Broadwater, a Little Egret flew over towards Redwell Marsh.

24th May - Norfolk, mostly sunny, very warm, 22C, light SE

This morning I made a trip to north Norfolk to catch up on several species.

Choseley Drying Barns; First stop was here to look for possible late passage Dotterel and breeding Corn Bunting, neither were found.  Plenty of Red-legged Partridge and a pair of Grey partridge was visible.  Swallows and House Martins were gathering mud from a large puddle, several  Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat were singing from the hedges and Linnets, Goldfinch and Yellowhammer were on the telegraph wires.  A Red Kite flew over and a Buzzard hunted the fields.

Titchwell RSPB reserve; he afternoon was spent here, over 70 species were seen.  Scarcer waders included a Ruff, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper.  Plenty of Avocet too,  some with chicks.

Good numbers of the commoner waders were present like Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Knot and at least 4 Little-ringed Plovers.  Lots of Shelduck and Gadwall, 7 Red-crested Pochard (6 drakes) were notable.

A Grey Heron was having a preen and clean, whilst a Moorhen was searching for food nearby.

Common Terns were on one of the islets, with 3 Little Terns, several Sandwich Terns were flying over on their way to the local nesting colony.  Black-headed Gulls nest here, among them I could see at least 6 Mediterranean Gulls with nests too.

Marsh Harriers were hunting prey and taking it to their youngsters.  A Cuckoo called from the large reed beds where Reed and Sedge Warblers breed.  Bearded Tit were frequently seen flitting about the reeds, several Cetti's Warblers were singing.

Dersingham Bog NNR; In the evening I visited this reserve that is renown for Nightjar.  Arriving early I had time to explore, commoner species were found in the bordering woodland, on the open bog area at least 2 Stonechat families were found.   At 2015h the first 'churring' Nightjar was heard briefly, no further 'churring' until 2120h when several started and began to fly.  Excellent views were had of them flying and wing-clapping display, sometimes right overhead.

Also, about 2100h Woodcock began their 'roding' flights over the trees and bog, great to see on such a lovely warm evening.  Unfortunately the midges thought so too and were very numerous and very, very irritating if you had not taken precautions.

The other interesting sighting just at dusk was a Short-eared Owl, not too usual to see one here this time of year.

23rd May - mostly cloudy am, sunny spells pm, 22C, light SW

Abbey Park, Leicester;  I attended a sale that was held in the park today so while there I had a short walk around, it always surprises me what can be found even in the city environment, although the river Soar does run next to the park that surely helps.

A pair of Grey Wagtails and a Mistle Thrush were feeding on the grassy area near the band stand.  Several Goldcrests were singing as were a Blackcap, Blackbirds, Blue and Great Tits.  Near the lake Canada Geese with Goslings and several Greylag Geese, with more Canada Geese near the river.  Mallard and Tufted Duck were on the lake, sitting on the concrete edge was a drake Wood Duck, probably the one that has been seen at Wanlip last month.

Shawell Lagoons; early evening I had a quick look at the lagoons area.  No Swans at all, so we may well have seen the last of the Whooper Swan.  Generally it was quite, but 3 Little-ringed Plovers were present on the shore and about 15 Sand Martins were hawking overhead.  Otherwise just the regulars were present on the water.

22nd May - mostly sunny, very warm, 23C, light southerly

We are in for a very warm/hot spell as a high with southerly weather is moving over the UK, which is great after the rain, but the humidity may be high at times.

Stanford reservoir; I made a visit after lunch, the recent rain has raised the water a bit covering much of the mud, but we do still have a lot of shore, however wader passage is on the wane now.

All the usual birds were seen/heard, except the Cuckoo.  I watched the Hobby catching insect prey very low along the south shore for quite a while.  The 1st summer White-fronted Goose is still present and seems settled at the moment.

21st May - sunny spells, light SW, 16C

Willey; A Green Woodpecker was calling frequently from the small spinney to the east, where it may well have its nest.  A Whitethroat sang in the hedge nearby and a Mistle Thrush was singing from a tree towards the road.  To the west of the village Skylarks were singing over the Spring sown wheat and a Yellowhammer was singing in the bordering hedge.

Misterton; as I was passing this morning I had time to have a look around the church and lake area, again hoping for a Spotted Flycatcher.  There was plenty of song from warbles and Thrushes, a Coal Tit, Goldcrest (2) and Treecreeper joined in to.  Bullfinch and Goldfinch were also present.  Then looking at the last likely place, in fact very close to were I had parked, I thought I heard one, and with a little patience the Spotted Flycatcher showed in a small group of trees, calling.

Bittesby Mere Lane lake area;  Coming back I had a brief look here, all the usual species as the other day. Bullfinch are seen nearly every time here so it must be to their liking. A single female Mallard was washing, probably just come off a nest and a single drake Tufted Duck was floating about, hopefully they have nested too, they have done in the past here.

Shawell lagoons;  after lunch I visited the lagoons area.  Two Shelduck, a few Tufted Duck and aMalkard brood were present.  Initially I spotted one Little-ringed Plover, a little later a second appeared which fed on the shore area then ran to the vegetation where a youngster briefly appeared, good news they nested here.  About 150 Lesser black backed Gulls were resting on the bank and a few Swallows and Sand Martins hawked over the water.

20th May - showers, 14C, SW light-fresh breeze

Brandon marsh;  I have not been to Brandon marsh since since January, so this afternoon I visited.  On East marsh there was c10 Lapwings in their territories, 2 Oystercatchers, a single Redshank, a Ringed and Little Ringed plover, all of these may be breeding here.

 Little ringed Plover

 Little ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

A few duck were present, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck and a single Wigeon, several Common terns are also nesting. .  Swifts, Swallows and Sand Martins were busy flying around, the Sand Martins were nesting is the special bank built for them and Swallows were nesting under the building roof, Swifts nest away from the reserve.  

A good variety of warblers  was heard, including Garden Warbler and Whitethroat, as well as Cetti's.  On the bottom marsh a Heron was very patiently stalking prey and a Little Egret flew in to start hunting for food.

A Cuckoo called a few times, a Great-spotted Woodpecker was calling in the wood and a couple of Buzzards flew over.

Generally, the cool unsettled weather kept many birds uncover.  A Fox trotted across the old tip area where Rabbits sit out and feed.

19th May - light rain most of the day, 10C, light NE breeze

Willey; I had erected a nest box on a tree especially for Starling as they usually nest nearby and I though another space would help them.  However, I see a great tit has used it and currently is feeding young in the nest.

Stanford reservoir; I had a look this morning hoping the rain may have forced some passage birds down to shelter.   There were a lot of hirundines and Swifts about again,  but no passage waders found.  Many hirundines rested on the ground or stumps in the rain.

Swallows and a House Martin resting

The White-fronted Goose was back resting on the shore, then feeding, a 1 summer bird, obviously did not fancy the long flight to its breeding grounds this year.  Apparently it has been seen during the past month at Pitsford and Daventry reservoirs.