Scottish odds and ends........

29-30 July - in the last couple of days, in showery weather around the A86 - Ptarmigan, Red Grouse, Wheatears, Red Squirrel and Mountain Hare - also, unfortunately, a squashed Pine Marten on the road.

All things Golden.......

28 July - a sunny afternoon in the Monadhliath mountains.... Golden Eagle, nice views of 1 flying over..... and 2 very silent and furtive Golden Plovers near the summit of Geal Charn at approx 900m..... I would assume an adult with a juvenile?

Med Gull at Coate.......

26-27 July - The last 2 evenings a moulting adult Mediterranean Gull has been on the diving board at Coate Water early evening.......a very smart bird, white primaries, red bill and black cap. Thanks to Malcolm Royal for the heads up.

Quail on the Cotswolds

23 July - A cycle ride from Cirencester to Eastleach in perfect summer weather, and a stop on the Cotswolds N of Sheephouse Farm, Eastleach Martin, produced 2 calling Quail, as per previous reports - heard immediately, despite it being the heat of the day. Also a singing Corn Bunting.

Monty's Harriers.......

22 July - A visit to a site en route to the S coast and nice but fairly distant views of 2 juvenile Montagu's Harriers that have fledged successfully from the nest in a crop field. The nest site itself fenced off to protect it. The adult birds not seen on this visit, so I will plan to visit again, perhaps morning or evening when less hazy. Very good news to hear of them breeding successfully. Such graceful birds, one of my favourites. Not a bad morning, following a Purple Emperor in Savernake!

Martinselkonen, eastern Finland.........

14-17 July - Two evenings in the extensive forests of Finland border with Russia, and amazing awe-inspiring views watching wild Brown Bears. Males, females and cubs all seen at the feeding station, impressive indeed at close quarters..... muscular and slow-moving yet at the same time graceful and intimidating, especially when looking down the camera. The ornithological back-up cast quite impressive around the lakes and marshes - Brambling, Great Grey Shrike, Waxwing, Wood Sandpiper, Whooper Swan, Honey Buzzard, White-tailed and Golden Eagles, and Black-throated Diver. A beautiful part of the world, seemingly endless forests, quiet, welcoming people, and fascinating but unobtrusive wildlife.

Blakehill in summer........

July 9 - A morning visit to Blakehill in blustery weather, but despite that reasonable views of a male Redstart. Also seen - a flyby Hobby, a Red Kite floating around and, surprisingly, a singing Reed Bunting. Also a Red Kite over the garden today.

New Forest..........

7 July - a surprisingly successful morning in the New Forest in view of the fairly cloudy weather. A couple of hours at Acres Down produced several sightings of Goshawk, then eventually good but rather distant views of a circling pale morph Honey Buzzard.......typical flat profile with elastic wing and tail movements in the breeze. Also Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. Other species logged here included several Woodlarks, Cuckoo, Stonechat, and flyover Crossbills, Siskins and Redpoll. A very satisfactory morning, with the added bonus of 6 Red Kites seen on the journey home, and several Silver-studded Blues on the heather at Acres Down itself.

Nightjars at Greenham.......

5 July - An evening trip to Greenham Common with Richard Williams, a fine cool evening with little wind. In the open area on the S side we heard the first Nightjar at 2152h and had 2 flight views of a bird showing the typical gliding flight. An amazing sound, ventriloqual and almost throbbing in the still air. A Barn Owl also made a brief appearance, but no sign of any roding Woodcock.