2nd Aug - cloudy early, clearing to sunny periods, light NW, 22C

Willey;  

As there are no suitable public viewing locations without flushing the bird I am not making the news widely known

About 1300h I noticed the Black Redstart briefly on our barn roof, but it disappeared and was not re-found.

However, about 1545h I decided to watch the church and then a bird suddenly appeared on the top of the tower, I took some record shots too.  I was completely surprised as this bird looked 'black' whereas yesterday the bird was definitely 'brown'  I can only conclude there are two birds, todays I would say a 1W male as the wings did have some brown feathers which are visible in the photo.  The trouble was that the sun was exceptionally bright making the colour seemingly change in intensity.

The bird was flushed from the tower, however about an hour later I spotted a bird in the church yard and took some more photos from distance . The photo does appear to be a 'brown' bird and may not be the same one as was on the tower!, but yesterday's bird!

Over the last few days I  have seen up to four Mistle Thrushes around the 

farm yard and Church area, one certainly a juvenile, maybe a late nest from nearby.

A single House Martin spotted with the Swallows this afternoon.

 Lilbourne Meadows; morning

Two Common and one Green sandpiper, otherwise fairly quiet.

Shawell sandpit/landfill; afternoon.

Three Egyptian Geese, a brood of 9 Tufted Duck ducklings - but did not see the female with them!

Adult Yellow-legged Gull., one Pochard, plus the other regulars.