The recent rain has put some water back on the brooks which in turn has attracted some waders. On the north brooks, at least seven green sandpiper, one common sandpiper, two dunlin and four little-ringed plover. They were sometimes difficult to spot and would disappear for long periods, no doubt caused by a marauding juvenile peregrine and sparrowhawk. However, with a little bit of patience and perseverance they did show themselves to people willing to wait.
Green sandpiper
A young moorhen got a little too close to a heron, which after some difficulty and dipping it in water swallowed it whole. All the time this was going on the frantic protestations of the adults were totally ignored by the heron.
Still the odd bit of song from chiffchaff and blackcap, but the whitethroats were silent although still quite showy below the hanger. A steady stream of swifts were popping in for a drink on the wing before going west and there were many more swallows and martins than of late.
Even though it was quite windy there were a lot of butterflies in sheltered spots. The bank on the way to nettleys and the zigzag are particularly good at the moment. The buddleia and other flowers near the children's playground are also worth a look.
Red admirals
Thanks to volunteer Gary for this post.