Date:  4th September 2016, 0740 hrs to 1030 hrs, by Amanda and Terry

Weather : a showery and cloudy morning. Temperature 13°C – 15°C

 Blue Tit 12

Dunnock 5

Wood Pigeon 44

Wren 5

Blackbird 17

Magpie 34

Greenfinch 4

Reed Bunting 7

Chaffinch 1

Goldfinch 43

House Sparrow 4

Carrion Crow 9

Mute Swan 2

Chiffchaff 3

Swallow 1

Blackcap 4

Collared Dove 1

Mallard 23

House Martin 16

Sparrowhawk 1

Grey Heron 2

Buzzard 1

Bullfinch 2

Great Tit 6

Robin 8

Kestrel 1

Long-tailed tit 8

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1

 28 species in all

 It was a later start in the day for this months survey as a severe downpour postponed activities for 40 minutes.

The autumnal weather meant that it was all change on the New Cut Canal and Meadows, with the loss of several species of summer visitor and no winter species to take their place; so three fewer species than last month.

Significant absentees this month were the Whitethroat, Linnet and Song Thrush. Nevertheless, there were large numbers of Blackbird, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Mallard, Carrion Crow plus House Martin feeding over the Meadows en route on their migration south and as always dozens of Magpie and Wood Pigeon.

The highlights of the day were undoubtedly the numerous raptor sightings with Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard seen several times hunting over most transects of the Meadows. It’s highly likely the same birds were seen on several occasions.

The most successful area of the survey this month was again transect 7.

 Mammals

 Only 1 Grey Squirrel seen during this month’s survey.

 Butterflies

Few butterflies during the survey period this month largely down to the weather; only a solitary Speckled Wood seen.

Several Red Admirals seen later in the month when the temperatures improved.