Hundreds of Swallows and Sand Martins swooping overhead the most noticeable feature of my early patrol across the National Nature Reserve. A constant flickering above and to the side capturing my attention. Attempting to watch through the binoculars to get a better view difficult as no sooner was one in view it disappeared again. Was it a Swallow or perhaps a Sand Martin or House Martin a question. The problem being not all Swallows have the long-forked tail and red face at this time of year! As the hirundines pass over spotting the brown chinstrap and pale face of the Sand Martin not always easy, while the white rump of the House Martin can be more obvious – if it shows its top side!
A better view as 40 or so sat for a short while on the sloping tiles of the roof – photo opportunity missed as I fumbled to get the camera out and on!
As I walked down Long Meadow a Redstart nipped out from the Dogwood allowing me good views of this red tailed relative of the Robin. Along the hedge the large white flower of Hedge Bindweed was attracting the attention of a Hoverfly, while perched in amongst the blackening berries of Viburnum tinus was a Blackcap.
A little further down I was captivated by the antics of a Spotted Flycatcher as it flitted up from a lichen covered Hawthorn branch and onto a dead Ash branch. As I enjoyed watching the Spotted Flycatcher was switching between the two, allowing fantastic views of its spotted chest and head, and the dark brown eye with a pale ring around it.
A Red Admiral and Large White butterfly fluttered alongside, while a Wall Brown and a Meadow Brown were seen later along with a Small Heath.
As I watched a Red-legged Shieldbug crawling along a crack in the wall, I also spotted a Centre-barred Sallow, a Setaceous Hebrew Character and a Flame Shoulder moth, plus Lacewing and an Ichneumon Fly I have yet to identify!