Some of our commonest birds locally are proving very difficult to locate at the moment. Blackbirds, which were among the most frequently encountered species just a few weeks ago are seldom seen. Ditto Dunnock, House Sparrow and Great Tit. Presumably these and other species are staying hidden while they undergo their post-breeding moult (although I have long suspected that our local House Sparrows temporarily vacate the area in late summer- possibly to exploit a food source elsewhere). Buzzard continues to be recorded daily with the presumed juvenile in the local wood calling on and off all day. The odd Chiffchaff reveals its presence with its "squeaky toy" 'hooweet' call and Kingisher continues to regularly feature on my daily walk list.