29th June 2017

A Red Kite flew over Steep Banks this afternoon and swirling around the farm were 12 Swallows and 30 Swifts. Five Yellowhammers were counted. A Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over and a Bullfinch was around Lunch Wood. Selected other sightings from CF include a Sparrowhawk, 104 Herring Gulls overhead, a Kestrel, six Skylarks, two Chiffchaffs, seven Whitethroats and six Blackcaps.

A Lesser Whitethroat was still singing in the BW sector, where a Whitethroat, four Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps and three Bullfinches were noted, along with a juvenile Song Thrush.

The weather wasn't ideal for butterflies but those recorded included an Essex Skipper, a Large Skipper and six Marbled Whites in BW and a further three Marbled Whites at CF.

It is worth noting that it has come to light that the White-letter Hairstreaks were first seen last year. The area to search for them is immediately west of the orchard by Park Farm.

Red Kite over Steep Banks

Swallow by Green Belt Field

David Campbell (photos) and Duncan Jennings