We were greeted this morning by a flock of Hobbies feeding out over Purfleet Scrape. Three adults and a brown youngster have now been there all day in the company of a couple of Kestrels adeptly catching the numerous Hawkers and Darters that are also up after prey.  A juvenile and the male Marsh Harrier have been seen on and off and the Peregrines have been around the pylons as usual. Star raptor was number ten since last Thursday with a very high Osprey that drifted north west with two more Hobbies on its tail. Just reward for a bit of skywatching. Seven Wheatears, two Whinchat and a peched Tree Pipit added interest and Greenshanks, six Little Ringed Plovers, Ruff and two Whimbrel were the wader highlights.  Still no more flycatchers or a Redstart unlike several other local areas... must try harder!

Tree Pipit (Andy Tweed)

Our tame Kestrel having a break from chasing Hobbies! (Mark Hart)

Lots of butterflies around including a couple of Painted Ladies...

Painted Lady (me)

28-8-12