Sunday June 26 - that morning after feeling

Dave joined me for our usual Sunday morning stroll around the patch. The visit was blighted by a strong south-westerly and we struggled to see much. 

A few Small Skippers were our first of the year, and there were many more Ringlets and Large Skippers than last week. We eventually tallied 20 Marbled Whites but there would probably have been more if the wind had been lighter.

Small Skipper

As far as birds are concerned, it was interesting to count 27 Lapwings at the flash field, a sign that we are heading to the back end of summer. A couple of Little Ringed Plovers were visible, while the presence of Green Sandpiper was only confirmed by some calls.

Adult Little Ringed Plover

A Red Kite flew over at close range when we reached Netherstead. Unfortunately my camera was on a macro setting and by the time I'd sorted myself out the Kite was miles away.

Red Kite

Returning briefly to yesterday, Tony and Leigh were ringing birds at Spernall for the HOEF Bioblitz, and have shared their highlights. They caught an adult and three juvenile Kingfishers, and Grey Wagtail.

Thanks to Tony for some stunning pictures.