25th July - cloudy morning slowly brightening, light breeze, 18C

Willey; at about 0800h a male Sparrowhawk dashed along the church path following by Swallows calling loudly. The Pied Wagtail pair seem to have yet another brood under the roof tiles, their third, they've certainly done well this year.  Late afternoon at least 12 Swallows were sitting together on the telegraph wires, reminding me that their time for leaving is getting closer as we soon enter August.

Stanford reservoir; this afternoon I had a walk along the north side.  New waders today included 6 Dunlin and 1 Sanderling, also still 7 Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank.  Autumn migration is picking up day after day.

 I estimated 300 Lapwing are around the reservoir, most in the inlet bay, with 1 Little Egret present too.  Common Tern numbered 4, apart from Black-headed Gulls no other species were seen. Plenty of Warblers still, one Sedge Warbler pair were collecting food for young still, one item included a blue Dameselfly.  Several Treecreeper were searching for food together, probably a family, along with Long-tailed Tits, Blue and Great Tits and Goldcrest.

A Peacock butterfly and Green - viened White were seen flying.