A female Redstart this morning between Salwarpe and Ladywood raises the intriguing possibility that a pair could be nesting in the area. There are plenty of pollards along the Salwarpe Valley that could offer suitable cavities.
Partially flooded fields in this area act like magnets for gulls - mainly LBBG's (50+), Herring (15) and Black-headed (ca. 20).
A Lesser Whitethroat was singing again in this area with 5 Skylarks, 3 Pied Wagtails and 20+ Swallows (including half a dozen juveniles). A family party of Goldfinches with 4 or 5fresh juveniles was also present.
A Spotted Flycatcher showed very well just west of Salwarpe village and at least 2 very vocal female Cuckoos were flying around Coney Meadow - plus another near Ladywood.
Other birds present included Curlew, Cormorant (2) Common Whitethroats (11), Blackcaps (20+), Chiffchaffs (15+), Sedge Warblers (5+, including 1 juv), Reed Warblers (20+), Reed Buntings (25+, including juvs), House Martins (6), Swifts (15+), Grey Herons (3), Buzzards (4), Ravens (2), Goldcrests (3), Treecreepers (5), House Sparrows(2), Mistle Thrush (2), Coal Tit, female Kestrel, Water Rails (2), Stock Doves (4), Kingfisher, Chaffinches, Greenfinches (2) and Bullfinches (2).
Insects included Blue-tailed Damselfly, Beautiful and Banded Demoiselles, Ringlet and Meadow Browns (photos below), Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral.