Swift half news - 23rd May 2010

• Bit worried about one of our swift eggs (as I type this its at the back of the roof space - separated from the other two eggs). Swifts are known for kicking eggs out of nests though, so no need to be too concerned yet...
• First hobby (falcon) seen from the garden this afternoon - the only bird to predate swifts...
• SEVENTEEN of my bee holes have been fully bricked up by my mason bees now - ready to hatch next spring - I'm really happy about that!
• Wasp beetle on the washing this afternoon, in the hot sun (its been a scorcher of a weekend!)
• Catches in the moth trap remain pretty patchy - a "Treble lines (moth)" last night, two "shuttle-shaped darts" (moths), three Mayflies (don't ask me!?) and one flying ant!

General (county) news - 14th May 2010

• Bigger hatches (eclosures) of mayflies on the Thames today, due in part to a slight change in wind direction from north-easterly (for the last two weeks) to a sou-westerly. We may see the heady heights of 17c over the weekend, and up to 70f (21c) briefly by mid week next week I hear!
• Black swan cygnets all hatched now.
• Great crested grebe young growing well.
• Common terns over Caversham weir this morning at dawn, courting with the male catching fish for the female.
  
  
• Horse chestnut blossom in full swing.
• Bluebells dying back now in our woods.