Lollingdon Hill +

Sunny spells, 20º, light SW.

Lollingdon Hill and the Lees.

There were several of us out today but at different times.

Lollingdon Hill produced a good quality of species today with 2 Raven, 100+ Rook,3 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 1 juv Whinchat, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Kestrel, 3 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat and a Hobby.

A single Willow Warbler seen near Lollingdon and approx 10 Stock Dove, also 2 Goldcrests with a Tit flock.

The Sedge and Reed Warblers breeding along the “Reedy Stream” appear to have left now as no sign, seen or heard.

Small numbers of Swallows and House Martins on the move, mainly family groups of 4 to 6 but c 20 Swallows still around Manor farm and House Martins noted visiting a successful (this year’s) nest site regularly at Marymead might prove to be raising a second brood.

For the first time this year, (I Think), I saw more Buzzards (10), than Red Kite (7).

A steady flow of Lesser Blackback Gulls overhead all heading towards the Downs.

2 Jay seen out by the Lees and a scattering of Yellowhammer, Skylark, Linnet and Reed Bunting around the fields in the area, also 1 Corn Bunting.

Both Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers seen.

Another Raven was seen flying south over Cholsey Church (maybe one of the 2 seen earlier or another individual).

Cholsey Church area had a small finch flock of Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch (approx 20 birds), may have been feeding on an area that has been left uncut and is producing a fair bit of seed from the grasses and other plants there.

Thanks to TW, JL and JR for some of the info, plus myself.

Little Egret north along the brook over the school on Thusday pm. RB

A Hedgehog and 2 Pipistrelles in the garden last night.

2 Brown Hawker dragonflies, 2 Common Darters and a Migrant Hawker seen.

A lot of Small White Butterflies, plus Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, and Gatekeeper.