Rain what a surprise!

Overcast, 18º, light to heavy showers, blustery SSW.

The heavier showers this afternoon gave me the opportunity to stay in and catch up on my domestic chores, boring but necessary! At least I got out earlier.

Cholsey Marsh was rather soggy today, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler and both Sedge and Reed Warblers heard along with Reed Buntings. 2 Cormorants flew upstream and an adult moulting Black-headed Gull flew downstream.

A few Swallows and House Martins hawking for insects low over the river and a few Swifts hawking at a higher altitude. The first Kingfisher for a few weeks seen, I am guessing they have had a hard time breeding this year as the river is at a high level and their nest holes may well be submerged!

Bow bridge was quiet but the flower meadow looked impressive, 3 Kestrels, one a youngster seen between Bow and the marsh.

Lollingdon hill had 4 Kestrels, at least one young hovering over the sheep meadow and a few Linnet in the Hawthorns. The sheep were a lot quieter today; I guess they have got used to their new location. Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings also present also a single Whitethroat.

A single Banded Demoiselle, several Marbled Whites, Meadow Brown, Ringlets and a single Gatekeeper were the only insects noted today.

A young Robin seen in garden this afternoon, feeding and preening and an adult earlier at the other end.

Small Tortoiseshell on Buddleia from yesterday.