Highlights of two local walks today were two tit flocks, one of around ten birds and the second of as many as fifty. Both contained one or two Chiffchaffs. A Kingfisher was at the river confluence, a Small Tortoiseshell was feeding on Bramble flowers and the 50:50 Carrion Crow X Hooded Crow hybrid was in the park. It is noteworthy that very few birds locally are still singing. However there are exceptions. While Chaffinches have ceased singing, Greenfinches continue (although perhaps less than in past weeks). I haven't heard a Willow Warbler song for a few weeks and only one Chiffchaff has sung lately (although several of the latter remain in the area, as evidenced by their "hooweet" calls). A few Blackcaps continue to sing intermittently although half-heartedly. Blackbirds are also singing only very short, simple songs (possibly young birds practicing for next year), Robins are silent and both Song Thrush and Dunnock almost so. Only Woodpigeons (and the occasional Collarded Dove, Stock Dove and Feral Pigeon) seem at all interested in advertising themselves.