18th Sept - thick mist, clearing by 0930, then sunny, slowky cloud increasing, 22C, light S

Willey; Again Raven this morning to the east flying round the fields.

I checked the two Swallows nests today, one has four the other probably three youngsters (smaller), still some growing needed before they fledge, here they are-

Shawell sandpit; after the mist cleared expectations were not met, nothing new, a single Wigeon and Lapwing.  A few Shoveler, plenty of Teal and a Little Grebe.  Wigeon number about 35 currently.

Stanford reservoir; a walk here after lunch. A Green Sandpiper and Lapwing, along with a couple of Teal and other ducks on the dam. A single Grey Wagtail in the spillway.

A Red Kite overhead was being hassled by a Raven.  A Jay flew in to the adjacent wood.   A couple of roving Tit flocks, with a Chiffchaff and male Blackcap with them. 

Several Speckled Woods and a Comma butterfly were seen.

A5 Pools/DIRFT; late afternoon.  Highlights were two Ringed Plovers, a juv Dunlin, two Curlew (one a juv) and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.