Glos odds and ends.........

6 Aug - while cycling 30 miles from Cirencester to Birdlip and back through Cotswold lanes in lovely sun, a few odds and ends...... A juvenile Cuckoo in a hedge, over 30 House Martins in a feeding flock, and a calling Raven. Hardly any traffic once off the main roads.

Summer........

5 Aug - Good views of 3 juvenile Montagu's Harriers at a Southern English breeding site, learning to hunt and graceful as always. Also 6 Red Kites and 3 Buzzards present. Later, a male Dartford Warbler and family of Stonechats on the edge of the New Forest.

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!