Oldmoor RSPB reserve, Rotherham. A good selection of waders viewed from the aptly named 'wader-scrape' hide. In this sketch are Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper - sometimes all viewed from the scope at the same time! Also present were a few Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, lapwing, Green sandpiper.

Full of optimism after the 'Wader hide' we headed to the 'Bittern hide' (apparently Bitterns have nested here for the first time in 200 years!) hoping, like its predecessor, it would live up to its name. Alas, search as we might, no Bittern could be located so I focussed on an obliging Little Grebe that posed at the edge of the reeds.

Young Dunnock killed by Cat

 

Langar Wildflower Farm. In a ploughed field next to the nurseries a large flock of Swallows and House martins had congregated. Apart from alighting on the ground, the only suitable perch seemed to be a small Rowan tree growing next to the field in which the Martins and Swallows would gather, sometimes hanging off the branches and bunches of ripening berries. They spooked easily, rising in a big flock before returning to their favoured perches. Also running along the edge of the field were Yellow Wagtails.

Racing Pigeon on neighbour's roof in the hot sun. It attracted my attention by starting to sun-bathe, contorting itself into interesting positions, though by the time I set up the scope it decided it had had enough of sunbathing!

Great-crested Grebe (female) on her nest at Wollaton Park lake. The nest was composed of algae which is growing in great rafts at the moment. Twice the Grebe stood up revealing 3 dark olive-green eggs.

Grebe from another angle with dark reflection of trees behind. While I watched she began to pant in the heat.

We have let our front grass grow to resemble a meadow and today it was a pleasant surprise to see a Goldfinch feeding from a Dandelion seedhead so close to the house. This pretty visitor more than makes up for the untidy appearance of our lawn at the moment.

A company of birds resting on the islets of Tween pond, Attenborough. Canada Goose and Lapwings joined briefly by a young Little Egret.

Full Moon