A long session at WWT(8 hours!!) started with missing the Osprey by a few minutes and later in the day another missed sighting, albeit brief according to others. The early walk along the river produced little although a very nice collection of hoverflies near the south-east sluice.
Probably 40+ House Martins, 25 Swallows and similar numbers of Sand Martins although only three or four tempted in briefly by playback. Precious few other migrant passerines save Willow/Chiffs and Reed Warblers. Both Peregrines arrived, the female carrying prey, numerous Buzzards, a single distant Red Kite, two Sparrowhawks playing and a high, hawking Hobby. Two single Ravens, one circling, the other rollin' 'n tumblin over the hanger.
Few ducks on the scrapes with a handful of Teal and single Shoveler; a Common Sandpiper kept its distance. Amongst the gulls one Mediterranean and three Commons.
Plenty of Brimstones and Red Admirals.
Bird of the day was this Boultbee Spit!!
At home near dusk a flock of 20+ House Martins went south.
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| Massively distant Hobby |
