24th July - sunny periods, 27C, light NW

Brandon Marsh; a look here in the evening as more pleasant temperature.  I spotted 2 Little-ringed Plover chicks with an adult nearby.  When the adults called alarm the chicks ran into cover, but soon returned to the shore. At least 4 other adult birds were around the east marsh area.

The only other waders were Lapwings and a single Oystercatcher over.  A brood of Tufted Duck and a Mallard brood too, only a couple of Teal were the duck species present.  A Little Egret and 2 Grey Herons we’re feeding, several Common Tern were still present.  A Kingfisher was watched for a while catching fish.

4 Swift flew over, several Swallows, but only 2 Sand Martins were seen.  Great spotted and Green Woodpeckers were around as was a Nuthatch. 3 Jays were noisy.  A female Sparrowhawk dashed low over the marsh.  11 Linnet, 4 Starling and 2 Goldfinch were in the ‘dead’ marsh tree tops.

With other usual species seen a pleasant evening.