As we approach the end of the bird breeding season, I thought I should point out what can be seen at the moment.
The highlight of this year has been the marsh harriers, fledging four lively youngsters that have been entertaining us for more than a month. There were still two of them left a couple of days ago, although they are unlikely to stay here much longer.
Turtle doves have also been fledging recently. There were at least two active nests until last week, and one of them at least produced some fledglings. Yesterday I saw three juveniles in the cattle field, in the willow with the dead crown, alongside two adult collared doves just to confuse us. Two adult turtle doves also dropped in to drink from the new pond near the tree before shooting off at great speed, one to some other willows nearby and the other over the horizon heading due south. I guess this last one was a migrant that just dropped in for a drink before heading on its way; the 'motorway service station' scenario.
The dunlin by the mere yesterday was another migrant, the third adult that we have seen this year. That small area of mud has been splendid this year, with 12 species of wader recorded in July and August.
It is worth stopping by every elder bush as you walk round as long as their fruit persists. The species most likely to be seen is blackcap, but various other warblers also enjoy the fruit, as well as blackbirds and song thrushes. It is also worth scrutinizing any tit flocks you see for the 'followers', usually goldcrests and treecreepers, but at this time of year a yellow-browed warbler wouldn't be unexpected.
This is also the time of year to hear, and occasionally see, small groups of siskins as they make their way south, in contrast with the post-breeding flocks of linnets that drink by the mere and roost in the clumps of hawthorns.