26th Aug - hot and sunny, 30C, light SSE

After another super day, with high temperatures and blue skies I an now chilling in the garden (with a drink) as the sun goes down giving a nice orangey sunset (yes the nights are drawing in) and its only 2000h, while Swallows are dashing round having an evening snack with some quite call from them.

Willey;
At midday there were 86 sitting on the telegraph wires with others flying around too.  To think most will be gone from here in the near future, and winter birds arriving.

I have noticed that the berry and fruit supply in the main looks rather poor locally, Blackberries, Sloes, Apples, etc, look very sparse, fortunately Hawthorn berries are looking pretty abundant.  So, this source of Autumn/early winter food may not last as long as usual.  Two self set Rowan are loaded with berries, several Blackbirds were eating them today, but I’m hoping they leave some and the berries will attract a Ring Ouzel later on.

A Hedgehog had become a road casualty on the main road last night😂

I spent sometime watching the thick hedges near the church and paddocks this morning.  A Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap all showed frequently and several birds involved. For the latter species. A Spotted Flycatcher made a brief appearance too, while a Yellow Wagtail flew over heading to the cattle fields.

Four+ Greenfinch and a couple Goldfinch were around. c25 Starling were busy hawking insects in the sky. A distance Sparrowhawk was circling accompanied by Swallows often having ago at it.  A Mistle Thrush sat atop the Holly tree panting in the heat.  Several Buzzards circling plus juveniles calling for food.

In all an interesting time just watching what appeared and happened.

A couple of amorous Hoppers in the grass field nearby.