Hello again
In our front garden we’ve been treated to several visits by a mother green woodpecker, accompanied by a younger woody, presumably her son or daughter.They busily search for ants in the short grass. This must be a good place for ants, because the green woodies come every year at this time. I think they are possibly Britain’s most exotic looking bird—very striking with their green,
(c) Ian White
red and yellow plumage. We have also got a pair of spotted flycatchers, which have been around for a month. We’re lucky to have these birds, because spotted flycatchers are declining in Britain. They have to make the arduous journey from Africa every summer.
Standing on the bridge over the Tale, looking downstream, at Tuck Mill, I was slightly startled by a bird which flew under the bridge, and therefore, under me. A dark bird, not unlike a blackbird, but more like a dipper. A few moments 
later, it flew back. I often see these birds down there. This one must have a nest nearby. There are now a few small trout in the Tale, and you can see them jumping to catch insects. I don’t think there are as many fish as usual this year.
There are more butterflies about now, but they would like more sunshine,
like we all would! I’ve seen meadow browns, gatekeepers, speckled woods and 
the whites. The main flush of peacocks and red admirals will not appear for another month or so. My buddleias will have gone to seed by then!
Alan
