Ptarmigan (and Mountain Hares) on the Cairnwell

24 July - 4 Ptarmigan seen during the ascent of the Cairnwell, including 2 recently fledged juveniles. Also at least 7 Mountain Hares, in brown summer markings, fairly confiding on the upper slopes.

Scotland - Golden Eagle in Glen Affric

23 July - A fine sunny day in Glen Affric, and a good view of a subadult Golden Eagle seen as I was approaching the summit of Mam Sodhail, with white in the tail and at the base of the primaries. Unmistakeable large silhouette, moved west up the glen out of sight. Also a Dipper seen on the river above Loch Affric, together with Crossbills, Siskins and Redpolls in the forested areas.

Little Bittern at Ham Wall

17 July - an afternoon visit with my friend Julia to Ham Wall and Ashcott Corner, on the Somerset Levels. We initially missed the female Little Bittern that is presumed to be feeding young, but I saw it in flight quite well at 7.45pm (photo, copyright Tom Mabbett). A Hobby also flew over there, and several Little Egrets were in the reed channels. The resident Great White Egret was on the far side of Noah's Lake from the hide at Ashcott, with a Little Egret for comparison, and a very obliging Marsh Harrier was soaring around, at times being mobbed by corvids. Later a Bearded Tit called and was glimpsed in flight in the reedbed. A total of 5 Heron species, including a Cattle Egret, even though I missed a brief Great Bittern in flight!

Montagu's Harrier on the Downs

11 July - An early morning visit to the Ridgeway, and a brief view of the male Montagu's Harrier hunting low over the cornfields. The pair presumably have young in the nest by now.

Otmoor briefly

10 July - A brief visit to Otmoor en route home, and fairly quiet but 2 Black-tailed Godwits from the new hide, together with a Green Sandpiper and a Redshank. 3 Red Kites were over the reserve, and a Cetti's Warbler and a Turtle Dove were heard.

White-tailed Lapwing at Slimbridge!

9 July - an early afternoon visit, and good views from Zeiss hide of the White-tailed Lapwing that was found mid morning. Distinctive brown/buff plumage, with long yellow legs. Associating with Lapwings, and seen in flight with the black/white contrasting wing pattern. A first for Glos and for Slimbridge. Photo, copyright Mabbs/Birdforum. Presumably the bird seen earlier in the week at Rainham, and previously this spring in Holland and at Seaforth.

New Forest

3 July - excellent views of 2 Honey Buzzards in the New Forest - a male and a probable female, both displaying and seen in flight for over 30 minutes - at one stage mobbing 2 Goshawks. A pair of Woodlarks also flew over, just in Wilts airspace so a county tick! A singing male Dartford Warbler appeared briefly at Shatterford. A Red Kite seen at Burbage en route.