Lazy days

Sunny spells, 23º, light SW

A leisurely walk out to Lollingdon and return via the Lees. Fairly quiet with a few Yellowhammers around, Chiffchaffs and Whitethroats.

A family group of Yellow Wagtails (2 ad and 3 juvs). A single Corn Bunting and a few Reed Buntings. The “reedy stream” had 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler a couple of Whitethroats and Reed Buntings along it.

Another Yellow Wagtail heard flying over the church.

Several hundred gulls seen at a distance at the foot of the downs, along with a large corvid flock and Wood Pigeons. They were feeding in some recently ploughed fields and the pig farms.

A pleasant afternoon spent in the garden reading, Swallows and House Martins overhead most of the time and 3 Swifts spent around 5 minutes with them. Several Buzzards and Red Kites calling overhead as well. A Sparrowhawk flew from a tree in the meadow and a Hobby drifted overhead.

A Great-spotted Woodpecker feeding in the trees but did not come to the feeders.

The young Robin in the garden has now attained a redbreast and both adults are still around, wonder how long it will be around or will it be driven off to find its own territory. The family group of Dunnocks regularly in the garden and a Wren, a frequent visitor. A Coal Tit heard on and off throughout the afternoon.

Late afternoon a flock of around 20 Black-headed Gulls turned up and settled on the school playing field.

Very few butterflies seen, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small White, Red Admiral, Common Blue.

A single buck Roe Deer seen.

A report of a Wheatear at Silly Bridge last week.