Walking conditions were ideal for the twenty who came today – sunny with some cloud. Through the village we were aware of considerable numbers of House Sparrows, Jackdaws, House Martins and Carrion Crows with a few Swallows, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit and Wren. Going down Nine Barrows Lane and across the lower fields, Rook, Blackbird, Great Tit, Chaffinch and Robin were seen or heard but only a single Long-tailed Tit. Songs were more fragmentary or muted than a month ago. In particular a Blackcap’s song was initially unrecognised by some of us. On the high ground by the Barrows, the wide sky revealed several distant Buzzards, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and half a dozen Ravens. A small group of Linnets flew overhead, as well as Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. Meadow Brown & Ringlet butterflies abounded amongst the long grasses. Down at the pond a Coot was on the water and Reed Bunting and Reed Warbler could be heard but not seen. Dragonflies and Mayflies swarmed low over the pond and reeds. Nearby, Burnet moths were emerging from their chrysalides and a Marbled White butterfly enjoyed the sunshine. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs sang occasionally. On our return towards the village three Mistle Thrushes flew low overhead “clicking” and a single Swift passed by at high altitude. The final bird on our list was a Greenfinch. Thanks to Nick Hawkridge for keeping a detailed record (Total 33 species) Bill & Maureen Dobie