First up a calling cuckoo, although somebody else had multiple birds. A glimpse of a Nightingale and three loud and close but invisible calling birds.
The Egyptian Geese still have four young and a couple of Redshank were still out towards the river. A couple of Avocet were new in and a single tatty Red Kite attracted irate crows. This Small Tortoiseshell was the first I've seen in a while and in Fattengates raised pond (actually pretty ugly with no vegetation) large numbers of these Notonecta spp (Backswimmers).
On the heathland a glimpse of one of the Spotted Flycatchers but sadly little in last weeks insect hotspot other than this Rutpela maculata, the other common yellow and black Longhorn Beetle. Big increase in Large Skippers and Black-tailed Skimmers plus a few Common Darters (above).
Nice to catch up with Mike Snelling for the first time this year but precious few other visitors.
A quick cuppa and walk at QE on the way back produced three singing Firecrests and a Buzzard, male and female Emperor on the pond plus one or two Figwort Sawflies (above).
Generally very poor for hoverflies this week; maybe its too hot!
Later at Creech Wood with HIWWT and John Goodspeed, two singing Firecrests in the car park, one Nightjar seen and probably a different bird churring, two Tawny Owls, one Roe Deer and a couple of small bats.
