The beginning of Autumn?

During the week, small parties of Starlings have been spotted moving west to the moors. Numbering 6-10 for the most part, they have increased to noisy groups of up to 20 strong in the last two days. This is always a sign of approaching autumn and the closing stages of the breeding season. Another sure sign is the adult Robins beginning their annual, full moult.

However, many birds, including the Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroat are still in full song and preparing for more broods of young,  to add to the young that are already on the wing. These migratory species have a lot of catching up to do as "their spring" was very much delayed this year. They are all "thin on the ground" this year, as it is, thanks to last year's torrential rainfall.

Net across the ford

Good news. The Kingfishers have bred and produced independent young. Bad news (in a way). Another Herring Gull, them that breed on next door's roof, got caught in the garden mist net; the damage - just the loss of 8-9 net meshes (phew!). Oh, and a bad laceration to my left thumb!

Juvenile Kingfisher

On the garden front, we had a 'in tick'. No doubt attracted by the sheep in the field opposite, a 'pair' of Ravens popped in at 5.30 in the morning. We see them around the general area from time to time but not so close to the village proper. One of the local Buzzards has taken to visiting the orchard, and, if it tries to sit in the large Greengage tree (which is half dead), the nesting Herring Gulls harass it into the belt of Ash trees. They continue their racket, which usually alerts us, until it eventually gives up and moves elsewhere.

Totals for the week are:

Herring Gull 1 - the other one of the 'old-timers' pair

Woodpigeon 1 - in moult & not that heavy for a pig

Kingfisher 2 - juvs

Blue Tit 1

Great Tit 1 (1)

Chiffchaff 2 - juv female & adult male

Wren 1 - breeding female

Blackbird 1 (3)

Robin 2 (1)

House Sparrow 10 (1)

Pied Wagtail (1)

Chaffinch 1 - 2CY male

Greenfinch 3 (2)

New - 26, recaptures - 9, 13 spp.

Everlasting Pea flowering in our garden hedge

When I've cut out a few more racks, it's back down the meadow for another session before the European visitors arrive. Perhaps there will be more in the way of fledged youngsters?

P.S. (for Phil)
Here's the thumb damage, courtesy of HERGU.