9th July - sunny, hot 28C, light SW

Stanford reservoir; a late afternoon visit.  Among the Lapwing were 2 Black-tailed Godwits.  In the narrows area a Greenshank fed and a Common Sandpiper rested on the shore.  A single Juv Little-ringed Plover was feeding and preening.  Two Oystercatchers were feeding, then resting - no young this year so far.  Teal have increase to 6, the Shelduck pair still have 3 ducklings.

A very pale, 'washed-out' looking Grey a Heron was in the inlet bay with a 'normal' looking Grey Heron.

Sand Martins were feeding over the reservoir and a couple of Swallows.  Generally, passerines were keeping quiet and in the shade.  Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Linnets were around, singing or feeding.  A Yellow Wagtail male put in a brief appearance on the narrows island.

As I was leaving a Small Tortoiseshell landed next to me, looking superb.