In spite of a change in the weather to persistent rain today, birdsong actually seemed to increase compared to of late. Two Blackbirds were singing strongly outside the house at 04:30. Later, during a walk along the river, species in song consisted of: Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Wren, Blackbird, Greenfinch and Goldfinch. Also of note, both Starling and House Sparrow seem to have reappeared after being scarce for the past couple of weeks. Best bird of the walk, however, was a Kingfisher showing well on a branch over the river. Some good plants included Rowan (now heavy with berries) and Lesser Burdock (flowers now opening).