16th July; sunny, hot, 27C, light NE

Willey; four Mistle Thrushes we’re feeding on the Sheep pasture all morning in the Perkins fields area. A Male Sparrowhawk was circling over, being hassled by a Swallow, midday.

Just at the moment the grass fields and hedgerows are alive with Meadow Browns, I don’t think I have ever seen so many.  On one section of hedge only 5 yards long, with a flowering Bramble there were easily 50 MBs.   Also, a single Gatekeeper and Small Tortoiseshell.

Cotesbach Landfill/sandpit; a look this evening.  Shelduck family still present. A Raven was heard and 65 Carrion Crows in the sandpit, with more over the Landfill area.  There Little Grebe, 24 Mallards and 15 Tufted Duck.