Summertime, and the living is ..., well not that easy. Around 12 House Martins (presumably most of the Oldhall population) were feeding at near ground level this evening, under Sycamores along the eastern edge of Barshaw Park.

The final bird count for yesterday’s Strathspey trip was 51 species, consisting of Mallard, Goldeneye, Goosander, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Redstart, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch (plus Pheasant and Mute Swan from the train).