17th June Thursday - sunny intervals, mod SW, 24C

Bittesby CP- afternoon.

A mixed family flock of Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, Blackcap, Chiffchaff  and Whitethroat (2 locations) seen.  A Jay along the old railway line.  Reed Bunting singing near the lake., Buzzard over calling loudly - may have a young one nearby.

c20 Stock Doves were around the area, some liking the roadway.  two Green Woodpeckers heard.

Butterflies included 100s Meadow Browns, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Painted Lady (4), and Large White.

17th June Wednesday - rain first thing, 4mm, sunny intervals, light SW, becoming fresher pm, 22C

Willey;

We are seeing more Red Kites again, now breeding is coming to end end.

The Swallows have 3 young in the Stable nest.

Lilbourne Meadows; evening

The Lapwing flock has grown a little more to 38 now, plus a few dotted around the reserve in territories still.  Unfortunately, I have not yet seen any young here this year - yet.

A pair of Teal and eight Gadwall were showing, the ducks, including Mallards are showing signs of moulting now.  Three Oystercatchers. Single Little Egret.

Singing male Reed Bunting. A Kestrel over. Still Skylarks and Meadow Pipits on the rough meadows, also a female Linnet.

16th June Tuesday - Sunny spells light W-SW, 22C

Hinckley; morning

Whilst in town I checked out St Mary's and Argent Mead park.  An adult Peregrine was on the church, but I am told they did not breed there this year, but were regularly seen around.

There were 65+ Feral Pigeons - to provide plenty food for the Peregrines.  Four Swifts were over the town area.  On the pond was 14 mallards, a Moorhen with a fledgling, two Dunnock nearby and plenty of Blackbirds 6+.

A Small Tortoiseshell was on a flower bed.

15th June Monday - Sunny spells, high cloud, light E, 19C

Soar Brook Lake; morning

Rather quiet today, disappointingly no sign of either Little Grebe or Tufted Duck young.  Nor, was the Oystercatcher pair seen, hopefully around with young.

Lilbourne Meadows; evening

Four Oystercatchers, a flock of 35 Lapwings (post breeding) flying around.  Two Little Egrets.  Otherwise the other summer residents.

14th June Sunday - sunny intervals, light mostly W-NW, 20C

Willey; morning

Six Stock Doves were disturbed from the barns where they nest and the Barn Owl too, he landed in a nearby tree but will be back there very soon.

A Red-legged Partridge was flushed from a gateway, but the Little Owl was not seen at its recent past location.  Two Red Kites patrolled overhead.  A Green Woodpecker called.  A Muntjac grunted loudly from the BH wood.

Newbold Quarry Park; afternoon.

I explored here for Butterflies, no Silver-washed Fritillary today, maybe to early but 11 species found, and unexpectedly this included the Marbled White.  

A family of Wrens and Blackbirds, Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing, a Great Crested Grebe and Mallard on the water.  A Collared Dove singing nearby.

13th June Saturday - sunny spells developing, mod-blustery NW, 18C, but also feeling cool.

Shawell Sandpit; morning.

A Peregrine chased a Jackdaw, but was out-maneuvered by it.

Mallard number are increasing still, 40.  Coot may be increasing too at 28 and I found eight Little grebes, the highest for a while, but no young yet this year.

The Egyptian Goose adults were present but only three large youngsters, so have we lost the other three? 

Eyebrook Reservoir; afternoon.

I just arrived as Andy M had spotted a flock of 10 drake Common Scoters, way out on the water.

A single Shelduck, plus the other usual duck. A single Great Egret.  Plenty of Swifts and Sand Martins over the water.

A Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and a pair Yellowhammers along the boundary hedge.

A group of 12 adult Egyptian Geese were feeding on the Rutland side

12th June Friday - sunny spells developing, blustery W, 17C

Ash Tree Farm; afternoon

A walk around the area, birds were few due to the wing but the warmth made the insect activity very lively.

A single Little Grebe was on the lake, we believe there is a pair and the other is on a nest (this was conformed the following day when young were seen - first known site breeding record).

Butterflies included; Small Copper, Common and Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Browns, Ringlet and Large Skippers.  Many Chimney Sweep moths.

Black-tailed Skimmers and other Dragonflies.

Lilbourne Meadows; evening

I specifically went here to check for Marbled White as Mick & Sandra had just reported their first at Newbold.  Despite the rather breezy conditions I did spot three.