Wednesday 27th August

Bike ride from Seaward round coast to Gatehouse and back in similar fine weather, but paradoxically no interesting sightings beyond a couple of kites and buzzards, swallows and finches and sundry butterflies.

Around the house coal tit has revisited, swifts definitely no longer present and a hope that the buddleia may just last into September this year, which is a bit of an ambition.

Tuesday 26th August

The path back from Loch Skerrow

Brilliant walk along the old Paddy Line from Mossvale to Loch Skerrow (finally got there!) with everything looking radiant in fine weather. Large numbers of peacocks and red admirals and, especially on the secluded stretch after the farm entry, even greater numbers of scotch argos.  I think I have seen these before but not during the time I've been writing this diary.  Also a couple of common blues and a solitary painted lady approaching the loch.  Numerous dragonflies, mainly golden-ringed, helicoptering around.

On the way back paid more attention to birds, which were quite shy (unused to visitors) but definitely identified whitethroats, blackcap and warblers I took to be willow warblers although strangely quiet. A surprising number of robins.  Quick glimpses of fleeing larger birds, probably jays, though again none of the characteristic screeching.  Suspected spotted flycatcher, which kept boldly flying back and forth out of the trackside trees to pick up grubs off the path, but could not get a convincing view through binoculars.

Apart from a cluster of kites around Clarebrand on driving back, no predators were sighted, but there is a rumour of ospreys being seen in the area.

Thursday 21st August

Following outburst of sporting activity last weekend and resulting knee problems have not been out this week.

In spite of nor painted ladies, buddleia has done tremendously attracting other species this year, Some of the specimens of red admiral and peacock have been oustanding, beautifully marked and strikingly large.

Coal tit and blue tit have visited along with many juvenile sparrows.  Notably I have not heard any swifts for some time.  Perhaps they have returned early this year as temperatures are below average since July heatwave.

Wednesday 13th August

Bike ride to New Abbey. Another bullfinch and a suspected young red kite just West of Beeswing. Interesting if correct but couldn't really check properly as was hurtling down hill at considerable speed!