16th September
The expected rain never materialised, but it stayed cloudy with a N/NE wind, until early evening when it became even duller and a light shower - so autumn weather has really arrived.

This morning there were about 25 Swallows around still, with a few House Martins joining them later.   At the feed station Nuthatch, Coal Tit, a few more Tree Sparrows than yesterday plus upto 12 Greenfinches were helping themselves.  Goldcrests were present in the Church yard yew tree, a favourite place for them and at least one Chiffchaff was in the hedgerow.

It's been a long time since I have found a 'wild' pheasant successfully rearing young, but this morning I did find a hen bird with two poults (older young). Now the wheat is harvested game birds are more visible.  There are a few Red-legged Partridge that have been around all summer but they never seem to breed, it's very rare to see our Grey Partridge these days.