What a wonderful summer for birds; it is several 
years since we have had so many Swallows and Swifts  
swooping round the garden and up over the river.
In fact there is a profusion of little birds-----
most seem to have survived the hard winter and, 
judging by the number of times I fill the feeders 
they are making up for lean times.
Chiffchaff and Blackcap turned up in March and 
some beautiful Yellow Wagtails stopped on migration 
on the marshes in April. Garden Warblers---their 
song so easily confused with Blackcap came early 
in May.


Blackbird and Thrush were here early but much 
quieter than usual----working hard to nest and 
bring up their families.
In the garden we have the usual species----
Chaffinch and Great Tit in large numbers but fewer 
Robins,and Bluetit than usual. However Greenfinch 
Coldfinch and Longtailed Tits seem to have done well. 
Whitethroats have nested, after giving us a miss last 
year. We have had great flocks of Starlings swooping 
round at the beginning of July;  very dramatic. They 
go into the conifers to roost.


On the river we have the usual Greenshank, Redshank 
and Shelduck with a good number of Little Egrets 
which we are accepting as part of the river birds; 
a Curlew Sandpiper appeared in July.

 
A good number of butterflies are here--a Silver 
Veined Fritillary was spotted late June.
The  'Wildlife Garden'at Flatford, is a marvellous 
addition and should be a must on everyone's list of 
places to visit---about 25 minutes walk along the 
riverbank.


Ramsey wood has been hosting Nightingales and we 
have heard them singing in the garden.
The Cattawade bird list now stands at 66  and 
includes unusial species such as water rail, 
Cettis warbler and bearded tit.


The RSPB organise many events (including barge 
trips) in the area and it is worth checking with 
them before you come---their number is 01206 391153


HAPPY BIRDWATCHING !