Friday 30th August

Birding this morning was a little slow until I heard a Marsh Tit calling from the woodlands at the top of Payne Close (TN6 2XB). At the same site there were both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers calling, and I saw the former briefly in flight. A Chiffchaff was as always present at the top of Pelling's Farm Close, along with a mixed flock of Blue and Great Tits. A few Siskins flew over while I was at that site. Another Chiffchaff was also present in my garden this morning, feeding quite unobtrusively whilst three Robins were fighting with each other! There was no sign of the Painted Lady this morning, nor of yesterday's Willow Warbler.

Thursday 29th August

Birding this morning revealed my 4th patch Willow Warbler this year, at the top of Pelling's Farm Close (TN6 2BF). There were also 2 Chiffchaffs in evidence, along with the usual combination of Robins, Wrens, and a couple of Nuthatches. A Painted Lady butterfly was flitting around on the roadside of Crowbrough Hill (TN6 2DB) near the crossing.

Wednesday 14th August

No sign of yesterday's Wood Warbler this morning, despite searching suitable habitat nearby, only my third patch Willow Warbler of yesterday was still around, along with a minimum of 3 Chiffchaffs. Again, Nuthatches were obvious - I won't say that they have just suddenly appeared although it may seem like it - as were Great Spotted Woodpeckers, of which I know of at least two successful pairs in the Pelling's Farm Close/Payne Close area.

Tuesday 13th August

The clear and obvious highlight this morning was a WOOD WARBLER in the trees at the top of Pelling's Farm Close (up the footpath), calling but very difficult to locate on my first visit. I went back later and easily relocated it, but photographing it was out of the question. Other highlights were Tawny Owl (at the same place as the Wood Warbler), Willow Warbler - only my 3rd this year on the patch, and Jay, again, at the same place. I don't see Jays very often round these parts. Apart from a largish flock of 10 Goldfinches, and the high count of 3 Nuthatches, it was otherwise quiet.