Monday 27th July

I have made several trips over the last few days but the birds have remained stubbornly similar with up to four Common Sandpiper present for most of the week. Sunday saw large numbers of Swift and assorted hirundines forced low due to the weather conditions.

Monday morning saw much the same although I did find the male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in a familiar area. I watched it for around 30 minutes hoping it might not be on its own but never saw any juveniles whilst I was watching.

I have seen good numbers of Butterflies especially towards the end of last week. I am no sort of expert on butterflies but I saw roughly.

1 Painted Lady
3 Tortoiseshell
numerous Gatekeeper
numerous Large White
good numbers Small White
6 Green-viened White
good numbers Small/Essex Skippers (I’m sure at least one was Essex Skipper)
20+ Ringlet
numerous Meadow Brown

Thursday 23rd July

I have been over a few times this week, generally it is quiet with three Common Sandpiper still present today. I saw a fly over Raven and strangely there were a few Linnet, not a bird that I have ever seen here in July.I was clearing the brambles out that were coming into the garden from the field this afternoon and for the second time disturbed a Wasp nest, not something I recommend. The first time I had a coat on and only got stung once on the ear, I ran inside with about a dozen wasps on my thick coat. This time I wasn’t as lucky, I am sitting here after receiving several stings, I’m throbbing like a good ’un, not recommended. Mind you I might make the next Olympic Team I was a blur as I ran back to the house!

Monday 20th July

Finally finished all my decorating, now I have a lot of gardening to catch up with. However, this morning saw me walking around the Reservoir. The amount of weed is encouraging as it will attract waders and there were 3 Common Sandpiper and an Oystercatcher amongst the numerous Lapwing. Later in the day Steve Haynes also saw a Dunlin. It was relatively quiet, which is to be expected at this time of year, there wasn’t much singing but I had a pleasant morning.

I was a bit perturbed as the last time I looked the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were feeding young, I checked out the nest hole and it appears to have been enlarged somewhat, I hope the young got out before the Great Spot got in!

Hopefully now I will have a little more time to get over, but I imagine it will be a few more weeks yet before it starts to liven up.

On the climbing front I cannot believe it was just over a year ago that Joy and I finished the Munro’s and I have to say I really miss the excitement that we used to feel every year as we planned the walking season that lay ahead of us.