A party of five Whinchats livened up Skylark Field and six Meadow Pipits at the farm were the first of the autumn. Eight House Martins and 100+ Swallows buzzed around overhead and Linnets built to 50. The Woods had a trio of Hobbies, including a juvenile, and 11 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap were to be found across the recording area.
A report of a Common Lizard in Valley Meadows possibly represents our first record. Four Southern Hawkers and three Common Darters were at the Woods where a late Silver-washed Fritillary was on the wing, along with a set of other butterflies including a Painted Lady, two Small Coppers, 20 Brown Argus, three Small Heaths and a Brimstone.
Geoff Barter, Steve Gale and Duncan Jennings
